Assam: Garbage chokes vital Kokrajhar road, residents protest municipal negligence

A major road in Kokrajhar town, connecting it to five villages, has become a focal point of public outrage as it has turned into an open dumping ground. 

The road, linking Kokrajhar to Bagichagaon, Kamalachara, Sesapani, South Bagisagaon, and Lalmati is almost unusable due to the unchecked dumping of garbage. 

This has sparked significant discontent among the residents, who are severely affected by the situation.

According to local reports, the Kokrajhar Municipal Board has been accused of irresponsibly disposing of household waste, rotting materials, and foul-smelling garbage directly onto the road. "The situation is unbearable. We have to cover our faces while crossing this stretch. It’s shocking that the authorities can be so negligent," said one of the residents. The stench and unsanitary conditions have made daily commuting difficult, especially for students and workers from nearby villages.

The adverse effects of the dumping have extended beyond daily commuting. The area, which hosts a Shiva temple and a cremation ground, has seen disruptions to religious and cultural activities. Devotees and those attending funeral rites are forced to endure the unpleasant environment, tainted by the overwhelming stench. This has added to the frustration of the locals, who feel that their cultural practices are being disrespected.

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The residents' anger reached a tipping point when they took actions into their own hands. In a bid to reclaim the road, they intercepted tractors loaded with garbage headed to the site, demanding immediate cleaning and restoration of the area. The protest reflects the community's urgency for action against the deteriorating conditions and highlights the community's initiative to press for necessary changes.

The incident has shed light on significant lapses in municipal management and civic responsibility. The growing discontent among residents underlines the need for higher authorities to step in and enforce proper waste disposal mechanisms. The community's demands for intervention stress the necessity of holding municipal bodies accountable to prevent further environmental degradation.

This situation underscores the urgent need for effective waste management solutions in Kokrajhar. Local authorities are urged to devise and implement sustainable waste disposal strategies. Such measures are vital to ensure that public spaces remain clean and functional, safeguarding the health and well-being of residents and preserving the area's cultural sanctity.

As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that the municipal authorities address these grievances promptly. The community's proactive stance serves as a reminder of the critical role of effective governance in maintaining public amenities and upholding civic duty.