Jalukbari Constituency Residents Voice Civic Grievances Ahead of Crucial Elections
In the Jalukbari assembly constituency of Guwahati, Assam, a total of 2,07,642 voters are raising their voices against a series of long-standing civic issues as the upcoming elections draw near. The most pressing concerns highlighted by residents include dilapidated roads, a severe lack of potable water, and irregular garbage collection, which have plagued the area for years.
Infrastructure and Water Woes Take Center Stage
The constituency encompasses 11 wards under the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, along with areas under the North Guwahati Municipal Board and the Rani Development Block. Rubul Azeem, a resident of Sadek Ali Path, shared his frustrations, stating, “Although construction work has begun, there are still parts of the lane which remain incomplete. Pothole-ridden stretches and inadequate drainage systems make daily commutes extremely difficult and hazardous.”
Access to clean drinking water remains another persistent and critical issue. Many locals report that they often need to rely on private sources for their regular water supply, as municipal services fall short. In the Matiya area, near Azara, residents claim they have to walk for 2-3 kilometers daily just to access potable water, underscoring the severity of the water crisis in the region.
Garbage Management and Environmental Concerns
Garbage management is a significant problem, particularly in Azara, where residents have raised serious environmental concerns. The deteriorating condition of Deepor Beel, a designated Ramsar site, is a major point of contention. Pramodh Kalita, a local resident, explained, “This important wetland has been facing increasing pollution due to its proximity to the Boragaon dumping ground, threatening both biodiversity and public health.”
With the constituency being the seat from which Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is contesting, voters are emphasizing that these issues deserve urgent and focused attention. They hope that the electoral process will bring about tangible solutions to improve their quality of life and address the environmental degradation affecting their communities.
