HT Digital
Tuesday, October 15: The ambitious door-to-door garbage collection initiative launched by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) earlier this year has become a source of frustration for residents, as the program has failed to deliver effective waste management services. This initiative was intended to improve civic services by providing systematic garbage collection, emergency response, and utility billing, but many households still experience inadequate garbage collection due to a lack of implementation of unique house numbering.
More than half of the year has passed since the initiative was introduced, yet residents are still grappling with unsanitary conditions. Complaints about garbage collection inefficiencies have become common, and the NGO responsible for managing the collection has faced numerous grievances. Residents report poor behavior from garbage collectors, who often demand excessive tips, exacerbating frustrations with the program.
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Local residents have voiced their dissatisfaction, highlighting the overflowing bins along major roads, like the GMC dustbin from Hatigaon Chariali to Bhetapara. One resident expressed concern about the growing trash piles, stating that the garbage collection van hadn’t arrived for over a week, and the situation was worsened by the recent Durga Puja festivities, which increased waste without any collection. The lack of response from the NGO responsible for collection has led to complaints about rising mosquito populations and health risks.
Reports have also surfaced about child labor within the garbage collection teams, as minors have been spotted collecting trash. This raises significant concerns about the safety and ethics of employing young children in such a hazardous environment. Residents have reported that when questioned about their work, these minors have refused to return the following day and instead asked for more money.
Concerns regarding safety equipment for collectors have also been raised. Many workers do not wear proper protective gear such as gloves or boots, leading to unsafe working conditions. The problem is exacerbated when trash spills from collection vehicles onto the streets, creating additional health hazards.
A GMC official acknowledged the internal issues between the GMC and the NGOs involved in the garbage collection program. These difficulties have hindered the effective implementation of the initiative, and it may take time to resolve the problems. The official mentioned that new instructions have been introduced, and the project has been reassigned to a different agency. The ongoing conflict between GMC and the NGOs has been an ongoing issue, with long-standing questions about fund utilization hindering progress.
Residents have expressed their doubts about the effectiveness of GMC’s initiatives, citing issues beyond garbage collection. One individual remarked that the city’s mosquito control spray vehicles had not been deployed during the appropriate season, indicating a lack of care for public health and welfare. Residents perceive these shortcomings as evidence that the GMC prioritizes appearances over genuine progress.
A Public Health Department official shared their frustration about the irregular garbage collection schedule, stating that they have resorted to digging a pit in their backyard for waste disposal. They noted the environmental harm caused by accumulated garbage, which quickly becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, posing health risks. The official emphasized the need for the GMC to address these minor issues to uphold Guwahati’s reputation as a smart city.
As residents continue to voice their concerns over the inadequacies of the garbage collection initiative, it is clear that immediate action is required to resolve the ongoing problems. The public’s patience is wearing thin as they call for effective management and accountability from both the GMC and the NGOs involved in waste collection. The current situation highlights the importance of prioritizing the health and sanitation needs of the community to achieve the goals of a truly smart city.
