Guwahati’s beautification projects are now just an ugly reminder of administrative indifference.
The much touted beautification drive in Guwahati has fallen into a state of disrepair, with taxpayers' money seemingly wasted on projects that have failed to serve their long-term purpose. The vibrant artwork adorning the city's flyovers, foot overbridges, and the walls of government properties now lies in a miserable state. Peeling paint, faded murals, and neglected areas meant for planting greenery tell a stark tale of administrative indifference.
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The city’s beautification efforts were initially spearheaded by the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) with the Public Works Department (PWD) subsequently tasked with maintaining the projects. However, the current condition of the artworks reveals an alarming lack of attention. What was once a showcase of Guwahati’s aesthetic aspirations now is a forgotten chapter.
Urban Decay in Plain Sight
The idea behind these beautification projects was to bring a sense of belongingness and pride to the city’s residents. Instead, what citizens witness is a growing disconnect between these initiatives and their intended impact. Areas once designated for planting trees and bushes, particularly along road dividers and pedestrian walkways, remain starkly barren. With these spaces left empty, the promise of a greener city has withered as fast as the initial excitement that accompanied the beautification projects.
Speaking to GPlus, an official from the PWD stated, "We have planted bushes on dividers; there are a few locations where there is work. We'll look into it." The statement, however, reflects the larger problem of sporadic maintenance and half-hearted promises. The lack of urgency and commitment from the authorities is evident in the widespread neglect.
Meanwhile, Guwahati’s climate has seen a noticeable shift. As the city continues to expand with new flyover constructions, countless trees have been felled to make way for infrastructure development. This not only adds to the aesthetic damage but also accelerates the environmental degradation of the city. Climate patterns have become erratic, and the growing pollution from unchecked urbanisation has increased these changes.
Festive Facades: A Temporary Fix
One of the most perplexing aspects of the city’s beautification is its apparent commitment to superficial efforts during festival seasons. It seems that the city's authorities can only manage to beautify Guwahati during special occasions, as the rest of the year, the city’s flyovers and public spaces are neglected. Temporary decorations and cosmetic facelifts do little to mask the underlying decay that the city faces year-round.
Many citizens have expressed their frustration with the transient nature of these efforts. “Why can’t they celebrate the city throughout the year?” remarked one resident. "We see a brief glimpse of how beautiful the city could be during festivals, but after that, it’s back to the same crumbling walls and dead plants."
The lack of continuous upkeep is a glaring issue. Maintaining urban beauty is not just about celebrating certain times of the year; it should be about creating an environment that fosters pride and contentment for the people living in it. The city, as a whole, seems to have forgotten this principle.
More Flyovers, Less Greenery
As Guwahati continues its rapid development, the number of flyovers under construction continues to grow. While infrastructure development is necessary for addressing the city’s traffic problems, the relentless felling of trees to accommodate these projects is alarming. The ongoing construction comes at the cost of Guwahati’s green cover, and the absence of a robust replantation strategy raises serious questions about the city’s future sustainability.
The hollow promises of green dividers and roadside plantations have amounted to nothing. Empty patches of land along major roads remain a common sight, contributing to the city's increasingly stark and barren look. With fewer trees to absorb pollution, the city’s air quality continues to deteriorate, making Guwahati an increasingly hostile place to live.
“We’re losing more than just trees,” commented another anonymous resident. “We’re losing the very soul of the city. The authorities talk about development, but at what cost? Our quality of life is suffering.”
Failed Plantation Drive
The plantation drive in Guwahati, aimed at enhancing the city’s greenery along roads, dividers, and under flyovers, has unfortunately been poorly maintained. Many saplings that were once vibrant have withered due to neglect, while weeds and debris have overrun the area. This lack of upkeep not only diminishes the aesthetic appeal of the city but also undermines the environmental benefits these plants were meant to provide. Consequently, the initiative has failed to fulfill its intended purpose of fostering a healthier urban ecosystem.
Authorities Under Fire
The PWD, in particular, has been under fire for its lack of commitment to the maintenance of the city’s beautification projects. While they were handed the responsibility for upkeep after the GMDA's initial beautification efforts, the department has done little to ensure the longevity of these projects. From decaying artwork to dead plants, the situation speaks volumes about the department’s inefficiency.
Moreover, the focus on infrastructure over sustainable development has left many wondering if the authorities have any genuine interest in preserving Guwahati’s natural beauty. The destruction of green spaces, paired with the failure to replace them with appropriate greenery, has left the city exposed to worsening environmental conditions.
•Looking Ahead: A Bleak Future?
If the current trend continues, the future of Guwahati looks bleak. The cosmetic beauty of the city may shine briefly during festivals, but without proper care, the deeper issues of neglect and environmental degradation will persist. A city’s beauty is not measured by how it looks on special occasions, but by how it nurtures and sustains its environment year-round.
The authorities must act quickly to address these issues before the damage becomes irreversible. Tree planting must be prioritised, and the maintenance of existing beautification projects must become a continuous effort. If not, Guwahati will continue to crumble, and taxpayers' money will keep going down the drain, quite literally.
