Guwahati: Residents of Nizara Path near Battalian Gate in the Barsapara locality are grappling with a serious public health crisis as ongoing flyover construction has severely disrupted the area’s drainage system, leading to widespread waterlogging and unsanitary living conditions.
According to residents, construction debris and unplanned excavation over the past few weeks have blocked drainage channels, causing stagnant wastewater to accumulate on roads and inside residential compounds.
Several households reported that contaminated drain water has entered their homes, creating unhygienic conditions and increasing the risk of disease.
Local clinics have recorded a rise in cases of fever, skin infections and waterborne illnesses, with the situation posing particular danger to children and elderly residents. With drinking water sources suspected to be contaminated, residents have expressed fears of a larger disease outbreak if urgent action is not taken.
“We are living in extremely unhygienic conditions. Drain water has entered our home, and the smell is unbearable. My elderly mother and my three-year-old child are constantly falling sick,” said Samik Bhattacharjee, a resident of Nizara Path.
He urged authorities to intervene immediately to prevent the situation from turning into a major health disaster.
Another resident, Deepak Chetry, said the drainage system had been completely blocked by the construction work.
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“Water is stagnant everywhere, mosquitoes are breeding rapidly, and children are already suffering from fever and infections. We feel neglected and helpless,” he said.
Residents alleged that repeated complaints to local authorities and contractors have failed to bring any effective response.
They have demanded urgent intervention by municipal authorities, including immediate clearance of blocked drains, restoration of proper drainage flow and regular sanitation drives in the area.
As flyover construction continues in Barsapara, residents say they are being forced to live with deteriorating conditions and growing health risks, warning that without immediate corrective measures, the development project could come at the cost of public safety and well-being in the neighbourhood.
