Guwahati, May 13: The continued presence of bamboo barricades on major roads and footpaths after public events has emerged as a growing concern for residents of Guwahati, raising questions over post-event management and civic accountability.

Bamboo barricades are routinely installed across the city during political rallies, cultural functions, VIP visits, and large public gatherings to regulate traffic and control crowds. However, while these temporary arrangements serve an important purpose during events, many of them are often left unattended long after the programmes conclude.

Residents have complained that the abandoned barricades occupy valuable road space in an already congested city, worsening traffic conditions during peak hours. In several locations, footpaths remain blocked for days or even weeks, forcing pedestrians to walk on busy roads alongside moving vehicles, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.

Daily commuters say the problem has become a recurring feature across Guwahati. “Temporary structures meant for crowd control are turning into permanent obstructions. The authorities remove them only after public complaints or media attention,” said a local resident.

Urban planners and citizens alike believe the issue reflects poor coordination among departments responsible for event management, traffic regulation, and civic maintenance. Many have urged the administration to introduce strict post-event protocols to ensure immediate removal of barricades and restoration of normal traffic movement.

Experts point out that timely cleanup and dismantling of temporary installations are essential for maintaining urban mobility and public safety. With Guwahati already facing increasing traffic pressure due to rapid urban growth, unattended barricades further reduce available road space and create unnecessary inconvenience for commuters.

Citizens have appealed to the authorities to take greater responsibility in ensuring that public infrastructure and pedestrian pathways are restored promptly after major events. They believe that efficient post-event management would not only ease congestion but also improve the overall civic image of the city.

• D. Dutta