Guwahati’s Uzan Bazar Riverfront: A Beautiful Dream Spoiled Too Soon

A Grand Opening with Great Expectations On November 7, Guwahati witnessed a proud moment when the newly developed Uzan Bazar riverfront was officially inaugurated by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The project had been in the spotlight for months as a major step toward beautifying the Brahmaputra riverbank and giving residents a scenic recreational space. The riverfront promised walking tracks, benches, greenery, and art installations that could transform the area into one of the city’s most attractive spots. People were excited to finally see a place that blended natural beauty with modern design. It was supposed to be a symbol of Guwahati’s growth and a gift to its citizens who have long wished for more public spaces.

The Disappointing Scene After Celebration However, the joy did not last long. Within just a few hours of the inauguration, a video shared by an Instagram user named Prasant Meera Ours showed the riverfront in a shocking state. The newly cleaned and decorated area was already filled with litter—plastic bottles, food wrappers, paper cups, and other waste materials. The sight was heartbreaking for many who had looked forward to enjoying the place. In the video, a man could be heard expressing his frustration, saying that people cannot always blame the government for such situations. His words struck a chord with many viewers as he pointed out that it had only been three hours since the opening, and already the place looked neglected.

Public Reaction and Widespread Criticism The video quickly went viral, sparking outrage and disappointment among netizens. Social media platforms were flooded with comments criticizing the careless behavior of visitors. Many people expressed shame over how quickly the new riverfront had turned dirty. Some users pointed out that while the government can build beautiful public spaces, it is ultimately the citizens who must take responsibility for keeping them clean. Others called for strict rules and fines for littering to discourage such actions in the future. The incident became a reflection of a larger issue faced by many Indian cities, where new infrastructure projects often lose their charm due to poor maintenance and lack of civic discipline.

The Meaning of Civic Sense Civic sense means the responsibility of individuals to behave in a way that benefits society and the environment. It includes simple actions like throwing waste in dustbins, not spitting or urinating in public, following traffic rules, and respecting shared spaces. Sadly, this sense of social responsibility is still missing in many places. The Uzan Bazar incident clearly shows that infrastructure alone cannot bring change unless people also change their attitude. Keeping public places clean is not only the job of the government or municipal workers but also of every person who uses those spaces. If citizens start treating these places like their own homes, they will think twice before littering.

Why Clean Public Spaces Matter Clean surroundings create a sense of pride and peace. When people visit parks or riverfronts that are well maintained, it improves their mood and makes them want to spend more time outdoors. Clean areas also attract tourists, which boosts local businesses and the city’s reputation. On the other hand, when places are filled with waste, it affects the environment, harms animals, and creates a negative impression. The Brahmaputra River, already struggling with pollution, does not need more plastic waste flowing into it. Every piece of trash left behind at the riverfront could end up in the river, causing further harm to aquatic life.

Government Efforts and Future Responsibility The Assam government invested significant funds and effort to create the Uzan Bazar riverfront. It is part of a larger initiative to make Guwahati cleaner, greener, and more attractive. However, maintaining such spaces requires cooperation between the government and the public. Regular cleaning drives, installation of enough dustbins, and proper signage can help, but without public participation, these steps will not be enough. Civic education programs in schools and local communities can also help spread awareness about cleanliness. People should understand that littering is not just a small act of carelessness but a behavior that affects everyone’s quality of life.

Learning from Other Cities Several Indian cities like Indore and Mysuru have shown that change is possible when citizens take pride in their surroundings. Indore, for example, has been ranked as one of the cleanest cities in India for years. The secret lies not just in government systems but in the active participation of its residents. People there treat cleanliness as a community value. If Guwahati residents follow similar habits and take small steps like carrying reusable bottles, avoiding plastic, and disposing of waste properly, the city’s image could change dramatically. The Uzan Bazar riverfront could then become a model of urban cleanliness instead of a reminder of neglect.

The Role of Awareness and Enforcement Awareness alone is not enough unless it is supported by enforcement. Authorities need to ensure that littering is treated as an offense and that fines are actually imposed. Installing cameras and placing signboards warning against littering could help reduce careless behavior. At the same time, regular awareness campaigns through schools, social media, and local events can remind people about their responsibilities. Volunteers and NGOs can also take part in periodic cleanup drives to keep the area neat. When people see others actively taking care of a place, they are less likely to spoil it.

A Shared Responsibility The story of the Uzan Bazar riverfront is not just about one location in Guwahati. It is a lesson for all of us about how public behavior shapes the success or failure of development projects. A city can spend millions on building roads, parks, and riverfronts, but if citizens lack civic sense, all that effort can go to waste. Cleanliness should not be seen as someone else’s job; it is a shared duty. By taking small steps like using bins, avoiding plastic, and teaching children good habits, everyone can make a difference.

Conclusion: Time to Change the Mindset The littered state of the Uzan Bazar riverfront just hours after its grand opening is a sad reminder that progress is not only about building new places but also about maintaining them. It reflects how much work still needs to be done to build a culture of civic responsibility. Guwahati’s new riverfront could have been a shining example of beauty and pride, but it turned into a symbol of neglect too quickly. However, it is not too late to fix things. If citizens start valuing public spaces and treating them with care, the riverfront can still live up to its promise. Real development begins not with concrete and lights but with the simple act of caring for what we have.