Guwahati: Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India, has long been admired for its scenic beauty and bustling streets. However, a closer look at some of the city’s drainage systems has revealed a growing concern: clogged drains filled with single-use plastic. A recent case surfaced at Bir Daimalu Road, Bathoupuri, near the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT), highlighting the need for urgent attention.
The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) recently undertook cleanup efforts to clear the choked drainage systems, sparking a wave of reactions from local netizens. While the GMC’s efforts were commendable, many online users pointed out that the real challenge lies in changing people’s behaviour and addressing the root causes of the problem.
One commenter noted that illegal encroachments by shops contribute to the city’s waste problems, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement. Others stressed the importance of adopting a more sustainable approach to cleanliness, with one netizen stating, “Development is impossible with a dirty environment.” Some shared a more philosophical take, highlighting the need for a collective shift in mindset towards cleanliness and waste management.
The strong online reaction underscores a crucial truth: maintaining cleanliness is not just the responsibility of the GMC or civic authorities, but a shared duty among citizens. As one netizen aptly put it, “It’s not a dirty environment, it’s that we don’t understand that cleanliness is important from both ends.”
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