GUWAHATI: After years of complaints over foul smell, unhygienic conditions and inconvenience caused to commuters, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) garbage station on the main road leading to Basistha Temple near Natun Bazar has been closed.
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The road stretch near the now-closed Natun Bazar garbage station was frequently occupied by overflowing waste and garbage collection vehicles, creating a bottleneck for commuters. The situation had caused inconvenience and safety concerns for school-goers, office workers and other road users travelling through the busy stretch.
The garbage station was also located close to the 151 Army Base Hospital, adding to concerns over sanitation and hygiene in the area.
Although large garbage trucks cleared a significant portion of the waste during the day, residual garbage often remained along the roadside, leading to foul odour and unhygienic conditions.
The closure followed communication from local military authorities regarding the removal of the garbage station. Sources told GPlus that the authorities asked the GMC to clear the site before July 20, stating that the location falls under defence land.
“They asked GMC to remove the garbage before July 20,” a source said.
A notice placed at the closed garbage site stated, “This is A1 defence land. Dumping of garbage or debris is prohibited. Lawful action will be taken against the defaulters.”
Following the closure, garbage collected from nearby localities will now be transported to the Juripar waste collection centre near Kalakhetra, a source said.
The Natun Bazar site was itself a relocated garbage collection point. Earlier, the collection area was located at Latakata but was shifted following complaints from residents over foul smell and sanitation issues.
Sources further said that the garbage transfer station along NH27 near the Tripura Road intersection, which had also drawn complaints due to public inconvenience, has reportedly been relocated to Juripar.
The GMC is yet to issue an official statement regarding the closure and future arrangements for garbage collection in the area.