Confusion over waste collection, user charges and accountability continues amid differing claims across the city
One man's waste is another man's problem, and in Guwahati, it's also becoming a question of who is paying what, and for what.
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The debate over waste collection charges also raises larger questions about how urban waste management is being financed and monitored in a rapidly expanding city like Guwahati.
Over the last decade, the city's population has grown significantly, placing additional pressure on civic infrastructure, including waste collection and disposal systems. As residential colonies, apartment complexes, and commercial establishments continue to expand, the volume of waste generated daily has increased substantially.
When the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) recently announced a uniform monthly user fee of ₹30 per household for garbage collection, the move was projected as a step towards streamlining waste management across the city. However, conversations with residents from several localities reveal a different picture, one marked by inconsistent charges, irregular collection services, and growing frustration over garbage piling up on roadsides.
Addressing the media on May 30, Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania announced that GMC would introduce a monthly user fee of ₹30 per household for garbage collection services. While certain NGOs had previously collected waste management charges in a few localities, this marks the first time a standardised fee has been introduced by the civic body across the city.
However, residents from areas including Silpukhuri, Hedayatpur, Gandhibasti, and Chenikuthi claim that they have been paying waste collection charges for years, and in many cases, the amount has been significantly higher than the newly announced ₹30 fee.
Several residents questioned why the civic body's announcement was being presented as a new initiative when charges had already been collected in their neighbourhoods for a long time.
Speaking to GPlus, a resident of Chenikuthi alleged that garbage collection charges in apartment complexes often exceed the amount now being proposed by GMC.
"Sometimes we are charged around ₹1,000 for collecting garbage from our flat. We are also asked to pay extra whenever there is additional waste to be cleared," the resident claimed.
The issue, however, extends beyond the matter of fees.
Residents across different localities also complained about the irregularity of waste collection services, saying that delayed pickups often leave them with no option but to dispose of garbage elsewhere.
A resident from Gandhibasti alleged that waste collection workers collect money from households every month, yet fail to maintain regular collection schedules.
"They charge every house monthly, but the service is not regular. Because of that, many people end up dumping garbage on roadsides," the resident said.
A similar concern was raised by residents of Hedayatpur, where locals claimed that GMC-authorised garbage collection vehicles frequently miss scheduled visits.
According to one resident, the irregular collection system has resulted in garbage being dumped under the flyover near Guwahati Club Stadium.
"When the vehicles don't come regularly, people have no place to keep accumulating waste. Many end up throwing garbage under the flyover," the resident alleged.
As complaints from residents continued to surface, local representatives offered a different perspective on the situation.
Responding to the allegations, Ward Councillor of Ward No. 33, Meera Das Saharia, maintained that waste collection services are being carried out regularly in the locality.
She stated that whenever residents report a missed collection, authorities take immediate steps to address the issue.
Saharia further clarified that there are no officially prescribed waste collection charges imposed by the ward office, raising further questions about the collection of fees allegedly being paid by residents over the years.
Meanwhile, the contractor responsible for waste collection in areas such as Silpukhuri, Chenikuthi, and Hedayatpur acknowledged that collection vehicles may occasionally miss scheduled rounds.
However, he argued that residents also share responsibility for the waste management challenges.
Contractor Baharul Ali stated that some households avoid paying waste collection charges altogether and instead dump garbage in open spaces and along roadsides.
"Many people do not pay the charges and prefer throwing waste on roadsides or empty spaces," he said.
Addressing concerns regarding the collection of additional fees, Ali explained that extra charges are sometimes requested only when unusually large quantities of waste need to be cleared.
According to him, another major challenge is the lack of waste segregation at the household level.
"People do not separate wet and dry waste. We have to spend additional time sorting everything again. Sometimes residents also behave badly with workers and expect us to collect all kinds of waste, including human excreta," he said.
The differing versions presented by residents, local representatives, and contractors paint a picture of a waste management system struggling with both operational and communication gaps.
On one hand, residents complain of irregular collection services and unexplained charges. On the other, contractors cite non-payment of fees, improper waste disposal habits, and a lack of segregation as significant hurdles in maintaining an efficient collection system.
GPlus attempted to contact GMC officials multiple times to seek clarification regarding the allegations surrounding collection charges and service irregularities. However, no response was received till the filing of this report.
For now, what remains clear is the confusion. Residents say they are paying but not receiving consistent service. Contractors say they are working but face non-cooperation from the public. Councillors insist there are no official collection charges, while many households claim they have been paying fees for years. The absence of a clearly communicated framework has only added to the confusion. Residents remain uncertain whether the newly announced GMC fee will replace the charges currently collected by contractors and local agencies or whether they may end up paying both.
The situation has also highlighted the lack of awareness regarding waste segregation practices. While contractors complain that households do not separate wet and dry waste, many residents claim they have never received proper guidance or infrastructure to facilitate segregation.
Caught in the middle of this blame game are Guwahati's streets.
As responsibility continues to be passed from one side to another, garbage continues to accumulate in several areas, leaving roadsides dirtier and residents increasingly frustrated. Until there is clarity on who collects, who pays, and who is accountable, the city's waste problem appears destined to remain everyone's responsibility, and no one's fault.