Guwahati, the largest city in Northeast India, has long been considered an unlivable city. With a population of over a million people, the Assam city is plagued by a host of problems that make it an unpleasant and difficult place to live.
From traffic congestion and pollution to inadequate infrastructure and poor public services, Guwahati is a city that is struggling to provide living conditions to the ever-growing population.
Traffic congestion
One of the biggest problems facing Guwahati is traffic congestion. The city’s roads are often clogged with vehicles, making it difficult for people to get around. This can result in long commute times and a high level of frustration for residents.
Additionally, the traffic congestion in Guwahati has a significant impact on air quality, contributing to high levels of pollution that can have serious health consequences.
Pollution
Guwahati’s pollution problem is not limited to traffic congestion. The city also suffers from high levels of air and water pollution, which can have serious health consequences for residents. The pollution is largely caused by industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and the burning of fossil fuels. The lack of proper waste management systems in the city also contributes to the pollution problem, with garbage often piled up on streets and in water bodies.
Inadequate infrastructure
Guwahati’s infrastructure is another major problem that makes the city unlivable. The city’s roads are poorly maintained, and many are riddled with potholes. The city’s public transportation system is also inadequate, with limited options for commuters. This makes it difficult for people to get around the city, particularly those who do not own a vehicle.
Poor public services
Guwahati has been facing a severe drinking water supply problem for several years. The problem has become more acute in recent times due to the rapid growth of the city’s population and the increasing demands on its limited water resources. This has led to a situation where many residents of the city do not have access to clean and safe drinking water, which has serious implications for their health and well-being.
The drinking water supply problem in Guwahati is exacerbated by the fact that the city’s water distribution network is inadequate and outdated. Most areas of the city do not have access to piped water, and residents have to rely on water tankers or borewells, which are often expensive and unreliable.
The government has recognized the seriousness of the drinking water supply problem in Guwahati and has launched a number of initiatives to address it. These include the construction of new water treatment plants, laying of pipelines, installation of water meters etc. The government has also introduced measures to regulate industrial and commercial activities that contribute to water pollution.
However, these measures have not been enough to solve the problem, and much more needs to be done to provide residents of Guwahati with access to clean and safe drinking water. The city’s water distribution network needs to be upgraded and expanded, and there needs to be a concerted effort to educate residents about the importance of conserving water and avoiding wastage.
Increase in crime rate
The crime rate in Guwahati is a matter of concern for residents and law enforcement agencies. While the city has seen significant development and growth in recent years, it has also experienced a rise in criminal activity, particularly in terms of theft, robbery, and assault. This has led to a sense of insecurity among residents, who are increasingly worried about their safety.
According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau, the crime rate in Guwahati has been increasing steadily over the past few years. “Assam has retained the top spot in recording the most violent crimes in the country followed consistently by Delhi except in 2020,” the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2021 had revealed. An analysis of NCRB data since 2017 showed that Assam led all the States and Union Territories across the country with 78.6 cases of violent crimes per one lakh people.
One of the major factors contributing to the rise in crime in Guwahati is the rapid growth of the city’s population. As more people move to the city in search of work and better opportunities, the strain on infrastructure and public services has also increased, creating conditions that are conducive to criminal activity. The lack of adequate public transportation and poor lighting in many areas of the city have also been identified as factors that make it easier for criminals to operate.
In conclusion, Guwahati is a city that is plagued by a host of problems that make it unlivable for many people. From traffic congestion and pollution to inadequate infrastructure and poor public services, the city is facing significant challenges that need to be addressed if it is to become a more livable place. While there are certainly efforts underway to improve the city, much more needs to be done to ensure that Guwahati becomes a place where people can live, work, and thrive.
