A part of the city, which should be a model of safety and efficiency, is instead a cautionary tale of what happens when infrastructure is allowed to decay unchecked.
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The footpath opposite the Secretariat in Dispur has become a symbol of the city’s crumbling infrastructure and neglect, particularly in areas that should be beacons of safety. The deteriorating condition of the walkway, which runs alongside the GS Road, has raised serious concerns among residents. The perilous state of the footpath is particularly alarming at night, with the lack of proper lighting transforming it into a veritable deathtrap for pedestrians.
A recent post on social media highlighted the dangerous condition of this pedestrian pathway. The stretch from Ganeshguri to the Supermarket has been rendered unsafe, not only due to the depleted footpath but also because of the general chaos that reigns in the area. Traffic congestion, illegal parking, and reckless driving are the order of the day, and the authorities appear to be woefully ineffectual in addressing these issues.
In a conversation with GPlus, a Public Works Department (PWD) official admitted the footpath’s unsuitability for bearing heavy loads. "The footpath is not designed to bear heavy loads. It was constructed over around seven years ago specifically for pedestrian use, and no restoration work has been undertaken since. We have previously raised concerns about vehicles driving on the footpaths, but little action has been taken. However, it is important to note that there is no sewerage infrastructure beneath this particular footpath. Restoration work is scheduled to begin before Durga Puja, and safety measures will be a priority," the official stated.
This admission does little to reassure the public, especially considering the footpath's age and lack of maintenance. The official’s statement seems to pass the buck, pointing fingers at other factors while sidestepping the core issue: the city's infrastructure is crumbling, and those responsible for its upkeep are asleep at the wheel.
The area in question is fraught with hazards. The presence of a school, a temple, and multiple bus stops on this stretch of GS Road leads to excessive traffic congestion during peak hours. On the opposite side, the Secretariat and a cricket coaching centre contribute to the chaos, with illegal parking on footpaths and roadsides having become the norm. This flagrant disregard for traffic rules and pedestrian safety is increased by the authorities’ apparent indifference.
A Dispur traffic official, speaking to GPlus, acknowledged the challenges but offered little in the way of solutions. "We have noticed such violations beneath the flyover, and we penalise individuals when caught. However, due to a shortage of manpower, a few escape. We are trying our best to be strict," the official said. This admission of understaffing and inability to enforce the law only underscores the inadequacy of the current system.
The problems in this area are not new. The stretch between Ganeshguri and the Supermarket has been the site of several accidents, as documented in various media reports. A prominent incident involved a female journalist who was assaulted in the vicinity, highlighting the broader issue of safety in the area. Despite these incidents, the authorities have done little to address the underlying problems, preferring instead to react to individual incidents rather than taking proactive measures to prevent them.
The rotary near the petrol pump is another hazard, often confusing drivers attempting to take a U-turn or change lanes. This confusion is magnified by the erratic behaviour of both two and four-wheeler drivers, leading to a situation that is ripe for accidents. The rotary’s design and poor signage only add to the risk, yet there appears to be no urgency in addressing these issues.
The temple near the foot overbridge adds to the congestion, particularly on two days of the week when devotees flock to the area. This religious influx further clogs traffic, making it nearly impossible for vehicles and pedestrians to navigate the area safely. The foot overbridge itself, which was meant to alleviate some of this congestion, now stands as a monument to bureaucratic incompetence—a defunct structure that has done nothing but waste taxpayers' money.
Residents have also voiced concerns about the descent of the Ganeshguri flyover towards the Supermarket, which has been a pickup point for various illegal activities. The area is particularly notorious at night, with reports of suspicious activities escalating. Despite the police being aware of the situation, little has been done to curb these problems, leaving the public in a constant state of unease.
One concerned citizen, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his frustrations: "The footpath near the Secretariat is a disaster waiting to happen. You see people tripping over uneven surfaces and stumbling in the dark because there's hardly any lighting. It's almost as if the authorities are waiting for a major accident before they decide to take action."
Another resident echoed these sentiments, adding, "The entire stretch from Ganeshguri to the Supermarket is a nightmare. There’s illegal parking everywhere, and nobody follows traffic rules. The authorities might show up occasionally, but they’re not consistent. It feels like we’re on our own."
These anonymous accounts paint a bleak picture of life in Dispur, where residents are left to navigate a landscape that is increasingly hostile to their safety. With several government establishments in the area, one would expect better management, but the reality is far from this expectation.
Adding to the chaos is the occasional but dangerous presence of elephants in the area. According to media reports, these unpredictable animals have wandered onto GS Road, creating havoc as vehicles swerved to avoid them. The lack of preparedness for such incidents speaks volumes about the city's infrastructure and emergency response capabilities.
Overall, the state of Dispur’s Secretariat area is a testament to the city’s broader issues with urban planning and governance. The footpath, once intended as a safe passage for pedestrians, now symbolises the neglect and decay that pervades the area. The situation is made worse by the lack of coordination among various departments, each passing the responsibility onto the next without any real action being taken.
In conclusion, the safety of the Dispur-Secretariat area has been compromised to an alarming degree. The footpaths are crumbling, traffic is chaotic, and the authorities are either overwhelmed or indifferent. This critical part of the city, which should be a model of safety and efficiency, is instead a cautionary tale of what happens when infrastructure is allowed to decay unchecked.
The rest of Guwahati is not far behind. The city’s infrastructure is faltering, and without immediate and sustained intervention, the situation will only deteriorate further. The question that remains is: how much longer will the citizens of Guwahati have to endure such conditions, and where exactly is this neglect leading us?