GUWAHATI, June 29 � When many areas in the gateway to the North East was reeling under artificial flooding, normal life in the Rukmini Nagar Namghar Path area was not in any way interrupted as not a single road got submerged. But this credit does not go to any of the government agencies. The residents of the area ensured that the drains were not clogged and the garbage disposed at marked locations only and this kept all miseries at bay.
Setting an example in citizens� responsibility, residents of this area have always come forward to keep their locality clean and beautiful as well as illuminated during the night.
The Rukmini Nagar (Dakhin) Unnayan Samity that has been entrusted by the residents to decide on issues related to the welfare of the area has also taken up programmes to keep the residents particularly the senior citizens healthy and fit through Yoga sessions.
�We felt that if we keep looking towards the government to solve our problems they might never be addressed. So a few years back we decided to join hands and solve our own problems,� said Ajit Baruah, general secretary of the Samity adding that seven new streetlights have been installed in the area to ensure that no anti-social elements could create trouble in the peaceful area.
Baruah further said that all residents keep in mind that their individual activities should not create inconvenience for their neighbours and that has resulted in mutual respect and cooperation making implementation of development programmes easy.
It needs to be mentioned here that most of the streetlights in the area have been installed by the citizens with their own contribution and repaired by the citizens when required. The drains are regularly cleaned by the Samity and the deposit from the drains is disposed of quickly so that residents are not exposed to any health hazards.
�I have been living in this area since 2008 and never faced the problem of waterlogging here. When the entire city reels under water, this area is dry and clean,� said Pallavi Barthakur, a professional.
Some of the senior citizens are even seen cleaning the drains every day. They regularly meet at the community prayer hall to discuss the issues of the area and active participation by all residents in activities aimed at development of the area has made living very comfortable and healthy.
�I have greatly benefited from the Yoga sessions conducted by the Samity. It has not only improved my health but also made me optimistic about life,� said Dipali Bhattacharya, a resident of the area.
On Sunday, in a meeting of the Samity at the local community prayer hall, a book on Yoga written by Baruah was also released.
