Guwahati: A major road in Kokrajhar town, essential for connecting the town to five surrounding villages, has become a symbol of public neglect and civic outrage after being turned into an open dumping ground. The route, which links Kokrajhar to Bagichagaon, Kamalachara, Sesapani, South Bagisagaon, and Lalmati, is now nearly impassable due to mounds of uncollected garbage, creating a health hazard and disrupting daily life.
Residents have blamed the Kokrajhar Municipal Board for the worsening situation, alleging it has been dumping household waste, decaying organic material, and foul-smelling refuse directly onto the road. “We have to cover our faces while passing through. It’s not just unhealthy—it’s inhumane,” said a distressed local. The unbearable stench and unsanitary conditions have made commuting a daily ordeal, especially for school children and working individuals who rely on this vital link road.
The problem has extended beyond mere inconvenience. A Shiva temple and a cremation ground located along the stretch have also been affected, with devotees and grieving families forced to navigate the stench and filth during religious and cultural rites. The community sees this as not only a civic failure but also a violation of cultural and spiritual dignity.
Frustration boiled over when villagers recently stopped tractors carrying garbage en route to the site, demanding an immediate halt to the dumping and urgent cleanup of the area. The move marked a turning point in the community’s efforts to reclaim the road and demand accountability from local authorities.
This incident has brought to light serious lapses in municipal management and public health oversight. With mounting pressure from the public, there are growing calls for the intervention of higher authorities to implement sustainable waste management practices and restore basic civic order.
Residents continue to demand immediate restoration of cleanliness and long-term waste disposal solutions, reinforcing the need for responsible governance. As public scrutiny intensifies, the Kokrajhar Municipal Board now faces the challenge of regaining the community’s trust and ensuring such environmental neglect is never repeated.