Dispur Constituency: Voters Demand Solutions to Urban Crises in Assam Elections
For the 249,756 voters of Dispur in Guwahati, this year's election transcends mere political allegiance. Residents assert that their ballots are cast in the name of everyday survival, as mounting urban problems threaten their quality of life.
Flooding and Drainage Woes Dominate Voter Concerns
From clogged drains and streets submerged after brief rainfall to the persistent struggle for potable water, voters across the constituency report that their patience is wearing thin. Following the 2023 delimitation exercise, Dispur now comprises 13 Guwahati Municipal Corporation wards. As the premium urban constituency representing the capital area, it is often under close scrutiny. However, for voters, the contest is less about party lines and more about which candidate can effectively address these pressing urban issues.
Ranjan Kalita, a voter from Rukminigaon, an area severely affected by urban flooding linked to encroachments and poor drainage, shared his frustrations. "This is something we need to get rid of, as flooding in our area severely affects our lives," he said. "There have been days when my child missed school, which impacted his studies. At times, we have had to carry the deceased through floodwaters to ambulances, as they refused to enter the area. When Atul Bora was our MLA, he never visited our locality to understand our problems. That is why we now expect someone who recognizes the seriousness of our situation and takes immediate action."
Government Initiatives and Delays Amid Election Season
The constituency has remained under the control of the BJP. In February, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Mallabarua laid the foundation stone for a project aimed at tackling urban flooding. However, residents noted that the work has been temporarily halted due to the model code of conduct. They expressed concern that even if work resumes, it may not be completed before the monsoon season, exacerbating existing problems.
While Beltola and Sijubari are well-known flood-hit areas in the city, residents highlight that Bikash Nagar near the Maulana Md Tayabullah Hockey Stadium has long suffered from poor drainage. For nearly half the year, roads in this area remain inundated with sludge and drain water.
Pulin Sarma, a voter from Bikash Nagar, described the daily challenges. "It is difficult to ride bikes or even walk. The sludge makes the roads slippery, and the drain water makes living here unbearable, especially during the monsoon when conditions worsen. If we at least received some response from authorities, it would give us a sense of hope."
Water Scarcity Adds to Voter Discontent
Access to potable water remains another major concern for Dispur residents. Many still depend on borewells, wells, hand pumps, or private water suppliers. Areas such as Satgaon, Panjabari, Jyotikuchi, and Kahilipara are among the worst affected by this scarcity.
Deepraj Gogoi, a resident of Kahilipara, explained the financial and logistical burdens. "We are forced to pay for water that lasts barely two days. As the city expands, we still lack a reliable source of water. I rely on borewells, but with the rise of apartments, we are uncertain how long that will last. We do not care who comes to power, but it should be someone who focuses on actual work rather than publicity."
The overarching sentiment among voters is clear: they seek tangible solutions to urban infrastructure failures, prioritizing governance over political rhetoric in the upcoming elections.
