The recent tragedy in Delhi’s Rajinder Place, where three students died due to waterlogging in a coaching institute’s basement, has led to immediate action and highlighted critical issues of town planning and urban negligence. Unfortunately, this problem is not unique to Delhi only; cities across the country are having similar issues? The gateway of North East India, Guwahati is also experiencing similar challenges, demonstrating the widespread need for better urban maintenance and infrastructure management.
GUWAHATI’S BASIC AMENITIES: A CASE OF POOR MAINTAINENCE
Despite the Guwahati Municipal Corporation’s (GMC) efforts to provide amenities, these facilities are often rendered ineffective due to poor maintenance. From afar, the city may appear well-maintained, but a closer inspection reveals significant issues. For example, public washrooms, intended as a basic amenity, are in such poor condition that people avoid using them. Shockingly, some washrooms have been found chained, restricting public access.
FOOTPATHS IN DISREPAIR: NEGLIGENCE
The state of the city’s footpaths is equally concerning. Although footpaths are constructed for person on foot but many are in such disrepair due to rain and lack of upkeep that they are practically unusable. This forces pedestrians to walk on the roads, increasing the risk of accidents.
INADEQUATE URBAN PLANNING : NEGLIGENCE
Moreover, government initiatives to broaden roads and improve infrastructure are undermined by inadequate planning and execution. The construction of malls and residential buildings without sufficient parking facilities has led to widespread roadside parking, narrowing the streets and creating traffic bottlenecks. In some areas, the roads have become so congested that emergency vehicles like fire brigades and ambulances cannot access them, posing a serious risk in emergency situation.
WAKE UP CALL FOR GUWAHATI
Guwahati, a city on the path of rapid development, cannot afford to ignore these critical issues. While funds and projects are in place, their success hinges on continuous and effective maintenance. The monitoring authority GMC must prioritize regular upkeep of public amenities, footpaths, and roads to ensure they serve their intended purpose and contribute to the city’s overall development.
The New Delhi incident of death of three Civil Service aspirants serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of urban negligence. It is imperative for Guwahati to learn from this tragedy and take proactive measures to address its own infrastructure challenges. Only through attentive maintenance and effective urban planning can we ensure the safety and well-being of our city’s residents!
