Guwahati Doctor Takes Personal Stand Against River Degradation
Alarmed by the rapid deterioration of Guwahati's once-vital river channels, city-based physician Dr. Rabindra Nath Mazumdar has launched a determined campaign to restore these neglected waterways. He aims to transform them into living public assets for future generations.
From Clean Waters to Stagnant Black Streams
Dr. Mazumdar witnessed Guwahati's transformation firsthand. He studied at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital from 1961 to 1977. During those years, the Bharalu channel flowed with clean water. People bathed in it and fished there regularly. The stretch between Rajgarh and Zoo Road featured vast paddy fields where residents enjoyed leisurely walks.
He left Guwahati for further studies after 1977 and returned in 2008 to work at a private hospital. The scene that greeted him shocked his senses. The river channel had narrowed considerably. Its water stood stagnant and turned black. This disturbing sight compelled him to take action.
Forming 'Save Bharalu' During Pandemic Challenges
While pursuing solo efforts initially, Dr. Mazumdar joined forces with like-minded individuals in 2021. They formed a group called 'Save Bharalu' to amplify their impact. COVID-19 protocols initially slowed their momentum, but they adapted creatively.
During lockdown periods, Dr. Mazumdar wrote a poem about the Bharalu River and shared it on social media platforms. The positive response surprised him. Many people messaged compliments about his work. Encouraged by this feedback, he and Robin Kalita established a WhatsApp group to connect concerned citizens.
"As we could not meet in person due to restrictions, members shared their ideas and inputs through the group," Dr. Mazumdar explained. This digital collaboration kept their mission alive during challenging times.
Grassroots Documentation and Community Mobilization
Dr. Mazumdar began personally surveying and documenting the condition of multiple channels. He has written extensively about their deteriorating state in local newspapers. His articles aim to shift public perception, urging citizens to view these waterways as shared natural assets rather than dumping grounds.
Through awareness meetings, clean-up drives, and community interactions, he actively encourages residents to take ownership of channels running through their neighborhoods. He particularly focuses on engaging young minds, believing they hold the key to sustainable change.
Understanding the Bharalu River System
The Bharalu functions as a non-perennial river that historically received steady flow from the Bahini river. The Bahini originates in the Khasi Hills of neighboring Meghalaya. This hydrological connection remains crucial for understanding the channel's potential restoration.
Advocating for Structural Changes and Government Action
Beyond immediate clean-up efforts, Dr. Mazumdar regularly approaches concerned government officials. He pushes for long-term revival strategies that address root causes.
"We were concerned and did not know about the blockage in Basistha Chariali," he revealed. "A sluice gate was installed there in 2004 under the assumption that the Bahini river channel caused city flooding. However, flooding continued despite this intervention. Officials can still remove that structure and resume the channel's natural flowing state."
Optimism Amid Environmental Challenges
Despite the poor condition of Guwahati's river channels, Dr. Mazumdar maintains remarkable optimism. He firmly believes citizen concern can drive administrative action. If residents begin caring for these channels genuinely, he contends, the administration will eventually follow their lead.
His journey from medical practitioner to environmental advocate demonstrates how individual determination can spark community movements. The 'Save Bharalu' initiative continues growing, proving that persistent grassroots efforts can challenge environmental neglect effectively.
