Guwhati: Blame on dirty, clogged drains for massive cockroach infestation on city pavements

GUWAHATI: Cockroaches on the city’s pavements have become a major health threat for people. Hordes of these roaches coming out from under the pavements have become a familiar sight and people blame the dirty drains that run below the pavements for this health menace.
Cockroaches are considered dangerous as an allergen source and asthma trigger and pose threat to people’s health.
Talking to TOI, Dr Partho Karmakar said, “Cockroaches create significant health risks due to their potential to contaminate food and spread disease-causing pathogens. When a person ingests food that has been in contact with cockroaches, there is a genuine concern for several health issues. Cockroaches carry bacteria that can lead to severe gastrointestinal illnesses, including food poisoning. These bacteria can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever.”
He added that cockroaches can also trigger allergic reactions and increase existing respiratory conditions like asthma and allergic rhinitis.
In the city, the pavements are located alongside streets and the drain typically lies beneath the pavements to provide proper drainage. However, despite the covered drains, there are certain open areas where cockroaches can emerge onto the pavements, creating a concern for those walking. The ageing infrastructure and lack of routine cleaning have led to blockages, leakages and stagnant water build-up, creating an ideal breeding ground for cockroaches and other insects.
Shop owners, whose shops are close to pavements said they have to depend on chemical repellents to keep the insects away.
A vendor said, “I haven’t seen anybody cleaning the streets.” But there are other vendors who have now started living with reality. “We are not really bothered about clean or dirty drains because we have become used to the situation.”
A GMC official said, “There is no such pest-control drives initiated to reduce the presence of cockroaches, although there is an ongoing pest-control programme for mosquitoes.”