- Pratisha Borborah
With the State's environment perennially in a shambles, how profound and meaningful are the countless ways in which we celebrate the World Environment Day asks Pratisha Borborah.
When floods are creating a havoc not only in the capital city of Assam but also destroying and demolishing hundreds of homes and villages in Upper Assam every year, it is time to pause and react. When rhinos are being killed and least attention is given by the government to stand against these ruthless poachers, it is time to question. When the legendry Brahmaputra River is getting polluted day by day, it is time we march against it. So with the whole world celebrating World Environment Day on 5th June, should we celebrate too when we clearly know our environment is in the most degrading state.
Today someone may easily define Guwahati as a bustling city with Water Park like Accoland, shopping malls like Big Bazar, Pantaloons movie multiplexes like Cinemax, Fun Cinemas, top eateries like Pizza Huts, KFC, Dominos etc.. vying with one another to provide the extrs dosse of fun and entertainment to those sections of the people who seem to enjoy the maximium benefits that are to be deprived in a major emerging economy like India. Thus the Guwahatians are turning to be stylish, brand and status conscious. Even education scenerio has also entered a brand- driven race where students need to think twice and thrice before taking admission. A little beyond the city periphery, one can see beautiful resorts in Sonapur, Kaziranga etc. Having a lavish and comfort life style is just what everyone thinks today. But is this the real picture of what true Guwahati is (or was). Is this the real definition for Assam to be defined? This is what French Sociologist Jean Baudrillard says Hyper-reality in post modern society. With developed technology and management giving us so much of happiness and comfort that we try to ignore the rest. Now if you think you want to continue reading the article, just avoid all these temporary happiness and look around your city.
With the onset of monsoon, rain can be a relief from hot summers for many but think about those whose houses and villages get drowned every year. Dhemaji and other parts of upper Assam are today habituated to bear the brunt of the wrath of the Brahmaputra again and again. With the speedy erosion of Majuli by the mighty Brahmaputra, time is very near when existence of a place called Majuli in Assam will just be a history or may be myth. Hence, those people who are self sufficient and depend on their own agricultural fields for their livelihood had to migrate to places of opportunity like Guwahati and struggle for shelter and food. But, can Guwahati be a better place to live today. With heavy rainfall, people residing in G.S road, Zoo Road, Ganeshguri etc had to see the hard days of their life. Not only roads and houses are submerged, but number of accidents occurs those days. With the worst drainage system and open manholes, newspapers are flooded with news about people getting drowned in the drains. Now, leaving aside the artificial flood, just take a visit to Ganeshguri, Fancy bazaar, Hatigaon any time of the day. These are some fixed places where garbage is dumped openly and freely, even though you will also see big posters with a metaphorical line “Keep Your City Clean and Green”. If we ignore the clean part, I would like to ask which part of Guwahati is green except the Guwahati University area. Hardly trees are seen in the rest of the city between the midst of huge buildings, offices, and over bridges occupying their places. Friends, lets now enter our Historic Zoo cum Botanical Garden that was once a pride of Guwahati. Even though it has lost its charm with passing days, it is over flooded with people, especially couples who consider it to be a dating spot or what some of my friends call it “Lovers Point”. Guwahatians are romantic, no doubt about it but at times display of romances give a disturbing view for the tourists who are unknown about it. Would not it be better idea to keep for the animals, birds and plants to have their own life atleast there rather being ruined? The place which was once a holiday spot for every child is just left to get worsen day by day.
Here, it is time to bring back the scenic beauty of Guwahati. The Mighty Brahmaputra that witnessed the historic war of the Ahoms with Mughals is all polluted. The river banks turning into picnic spots are destroying the natural beauty it once had. Save it before it turns to be the next Yamuna River. It is time to give a serious thought and work for the environment, not in words but in action. A lot to do with less amount of time and rather than waiting for the governments for a better Guwahati which will just be another hyper real adventure, it is better for the youth to come forward. It is not that Guwahati needs us in fact we need Guwahati. It is time to realise and wake up.
