In a significant community-led effort to combat environmental degradation, a group of concerned citizens in Guwahati took matters into their own hands this Sunday. They organized a cleanliness drive targeting the heavily polluted Mora-Bharalu river channel in the city's Katahbari locality, Fatasil Ambari area.
A Community Stands Against River Pollution
The initiative was driven by the urgent need to raise public awareness about protecting vital river channels from becoming dumping grounds. Volunteers, tired of witnessing the degradation of their local water body, spent the day clearing waste and engaging with the community. A key part of their strategy was the installation of dustbins at multiple points along the channel's path. This practical step aims to discourage the rampant disposal of garbage directly into the river or on its banks and to promote responsible waste disposal among residents and daily commuters.
The Dire State of a Crucial Channel
Rabindra Mazumdar, a local resident who actively participated, made a heartfelt appeal. He urged everyone to refrain from dumping garbage into the dead Bharalu or its banks and to use the newly provided dustbins. Mazumdar emphasized a critical health warning, advising people never to burn plastic and polythene, as the toxic gases released can lead to severe diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and cancer.
He explained the broader environmental crisis: the Mora Bharalu is a key channel that carries excess monsoon rainwater to the Brahmaputra. However, years of indiscriminate dumping of household waste, plastics, and construction debris have severely choked it. This has drastically reduced its carrying capacity, directly contributing to frequent and severe waterlogging in the surrounding neighborhoods during rains.
Spreading Awareness on Health and Civic Risks
During the drive, volunteers didn't just collect trash; they actively conversed with passersby, shopkeepers, and riverside residents. They detailed the cascading effects of irresponsible waste disposal:
- Blocked drainage leads to urban flooding.
- Accumulated waste causes foul odors and breeds mosquitoes.
- These conditions collectively increase public health risks, especially in the monsoon season.
The message was clear: harming the river system ultimately harms the entire city. In a positive development, Mazumdar stated that the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has agreed to ensure regular garbage collection from these new dumpsters. This institutional support is crucial to maintaining the cleanliness of the points and preventing a return to river dumping.
This citizen-led movement highlights a growing public resolve in Guwahati to tackle environmental issues hands-on, combining community action with appeals for civic responsibility and seeking accountability from municipal authorities.
