Guwahati residents face health risks from construction dust

Residents along the 3-km stretch of Mani Ram Dewan Road in Guwahati have been facing serious problems for the past ten months. The ongoing construction of a flyover has caused heavy dust pollution, making life difficult for everyone in the area. Traffic police officer Utpal Das mentioned that authorities sometimes try to control dust by spraying water. However, during dry seasons, the dust makes things unbearable. He noted that no major health problems have been reported among officers, but those working in the afternoons feel the effects. They are provided with protective masks and glasses. Local builder Nozoom Rehman Hazarika, who has been in the area for two years, shared that he now struggles to breathe. His employees also face similar breathing issues. The condition of sidewalks adds to the dust problem as they are poorly maintained. Sanjit Rabha, a meat seller, explained that dust covers the fresh meat in his shop, complicating his ability to keep it clean without proper refrigeration. He also has trouble seeing due to the dust affecting his eyes. Milin Dutta, a local resident, expressed concerns about health issues among his children. He said that dust covers their homes and furniture, worsening the unhealthy living conditions. Dutta noted that the outdoor conditions continue to deteriorate. Pharmacy owner Pranjit Talukdar described the chaotic scenes as debris blocks roads, making it dangerous for both pedestrians and drivers. He pointed out that the lack of footpaths forces people to walk on busy roads, increasing accident risks and harming his business due to fewer customers. Traffic congestion has also become a big issue, according to police officers at the Chandmari station. Officer Junmoni Kalita remarked that narrowed roadways are creating chaos for patrol vehicles. In response to these growing concerns, the Assam Human Rights Commission has taken action. They issued strong directives to local authorities, including the Kamrup district administration and the Guwahati municipal corporation, to address the ongoing issues caused by the construction project.