Guwahati, the State capital and the hub of the North-East, presents a pathetic picture of public hygiene and sanitation. It is a matter of shame that the city, now being projected as the future gateway to South East Asia, should be grappling with such appalling living conditions. Heaps of garbage lying by the roadside, clogged and overflowing drains, worsening dust pollution, filthy slums, etc., have been something that the citizens have been living with for years. The occasional outbreak of diseases like gastro-enteritis, cholera, and now suspected kala azar, therefore, occasions little surprise. While nothing has been done to improve the city's crumbling civic infrastructure, its rapid and haphazard expansion has further complicated the matters. The outbreak of cholera a few months back had exposed that a major section of the citizens did not have access to safe drinking water even in the heart of the State capital. Now, the outbreak of suspected kala azar has come as yet another grim reminder about the city's abysmal levels of hygiene and sanitation. The prevailing situation raises serious questions over the functioning of the various agencies entrusted with the upkeep of the city's hygiene. Notwithstanding the high-sounding rhetoric of the State Government, the fact stands that Guwahati has miles to go before it catches up with the norms associated with a modern city. Such indispensable amenities like scientific garbage disposal system, sewerage, water supply, etc., continue to be conspicuous by their absence. And the manner in which the government authorities have been pursuing these matters of vital public interest reflects an insensitive and indifferent attitude. Of late dust pollution has assumed alarming proportions in the city, mainly due to the spurt in construction activities. The authorities, however, have totally failed to ensure that these activities are carried on in accordance with the norms that minimize pollution. While the Government and the administration have cut a sorry figure in maintaining the city, the citizens, too, have to shoulder a share of the blame for the ills plaguing the city. Civic sense is totally lacking among a major section of the citizens, for whom the roads and drains are an open dustbin. Then, spitting anywhere and everywhere is another widespread habit among many citizens. It is to be remembered that clean surroundings and personal hygiene are key to prevention of many diseases, and the people must lend a helping hand to the authorities in maintaining the norms of sanitation.
