A street dweller, allegedly under the influence of intoxicants, created a public nuisance and disrupted traffic movement under the Bishnu Ram Medhi Flyover in Ulubari, Guwahati, on Friday, January 9.
The incident occurred during a busy hour, causing inconvenience to commuters and prompting intervention by traffic police from the Paltan Bazar Police Station.
A street dweller, allegedly under the influence of an intoxicant, disrupted traffic and created a public nuisance under the Bishnu Ram Medhi Flyover in Ulubari, Guwahati, on January 9. Traffic police intervened to prevent a mishap, highlighting ongoing concerns over street dwelling, substance abuse, and public safety in the city.
What Happened Under the Flyover
According to officials, the individual began shouting, behaving aggressively, and obstructing traffic beneath the flyover, leading to the temporary disruption of vehicular movement in the Ulubari area.
A traffic official on duty intervened and attempted to move the person away from the carriageway to prevent any accident and ensure the safety of road users.
Police Intervention
A traffic official from the Paltan Bazar Police Station said the situation escalated despite initial efforts to calm the individual.
“I tried to calm him down and ensure his safety, but instead, he started yelling slurs and misbehaving in public. Later, I informed the station to take measures,” the official told GPlus.
Further steps were initiated to restore normal traffic flow and prevent further disturbance.
A Recurring Issue in Guwahati
The incident has once again drawn attention to the growing presence of street dwellers under flyovers and near busy intersections in Guwahati. Areas beneath major flyovers are often used as temporary shelters, creating safety and law-and-order challenges.
Commuters say such incidents are becoming frequent, particularly in high-traffic zones like Ulubari, Paltan Bazar, and other central parts of the city.
Rehabilitation Efforts and Challenges
Earlier, officials from the Directorate of Social Justice and Empowerment told GPlus that regular efforts are made to rehabilitate street dwellers by providing shelter and basic facilities.
“We arrange rehabilitation and shelter for them, but many eventually flee and return to the streets,” an official had said, pointing to the difficulty of sustained rehabilitation.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
With increasing traffic density and expanding flyover infrastructure, unmanaged street dwelling under key structures poses risks to both pedestrians and motorists.
The easy availability of cheap intoxicants has further complicated the situation, leading to frequent instances of public disorder in busy public spaces.
What Happens Next
Authorities said such cases are handled on a case-by-case basis through police intervention and coordination with social welfare departments.
However, residents continue to raise concerns over the lack of long-term solutions, calling for sustained enforcement, better rehabilitation mechanisms, and safer public space management across Guwahati.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the incident take place in Guwahati?
The incident occurred under the Bishnu Ram Medhi Flyover in the Ulubari area of Guwahati.
Who intervened to control the situation?
Traffic police from the Paltan Bazar Police Station intervened to manage the situation and restore traffic movement.