19-05-2025
Waterbody revival raises transparency questions
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Guwahati: Residents of Guwahati have expressed concern regarding transparency and public involvement in the restoration of Dighalipukhuri, as the Assam govt assigns a fresh agency for its maintenance and cleaning.
The ATDC's recent decision to implement SABRE technology for water treatment has sparked worries among locals. They argue this solution might be temporary and question whether any lasting remedies have been considered to address the fundamental issues.
'Reclaim Guwahati' member Milin Dutta criticised the lack of public consultation in selecting the technology, particularly following the sudden termination of a previous TERI project.
"Had they consulted the public before moving forward with the decision, especially after the abrupt discontinuation of an earlier project taken up by Energy and Research Institute (TERI), it is causing justifiable fear this could be another expensive, short-lived initiative," Dutta said.
Dutta highlighted the voluntary efforts at Dighalipukhuri Park, stating, "This proposal by ATDC totally overlooks the maintenance of the Dighalipukhuri Park for the past six months by a handful of dedicated volunteers from different parts of Guwahati.
Apart from installation of bamboo baskets and anti-littering signs, through weekly clean-up drives over 1,100 kg of waste has been collected by these volunteers so far.
Involving these active residents and other local residents in govt initiatives would not only make them more sustainable in the longer term but would also pave the the way for a stewardship approach to maintaining public facilities."
The waterbody holds roughly 285 million litres of water, with ongoing pollution affecting its aquatic health.
ATDC managing director Padmapani Borah said SABRE technology, developed by Irish environmental scientist Liam Ryan, has demonstrated success in other states. The technology aims to increase water oxygen levels to 6 mg/L, promoting aquatic life and ensuring safe public usage.
Borah acknowledged the community's contributions while emphasising the need for a long-term maintenance strategy. "What these residents are doing is a noble initiative, and we also want them to work for its development.
But I urge them to understand that once the development activities are completed, there will definitely be a proper mechanism in place for its upkeep," Borah said.
The citizen's forum also expressed concern about two recent accidents near the under-construction GNB Road flyover. They identified issues including inadequate site management, dangerous proximity to high-tension wires, and persistent waterlogging around construction areas, calling for enhanced oversight from relevant govt bodies.
