A fragile building at Paltan Bazar poses a threat to unsuspecting passersby
A dilapidated building near the Paltan Bazar police station in Guwahati has become a cause for alarm among locals, especially after a chunk of deteriorating cement recently fell from the building, narrowly missing a pedestrian.
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"This building is a disaster waiting to happen," remarked one bystander. "It's only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt."
The area, known for its bustling activity, is dotted with similar aged establishments, all showing signs of wear and tear after years of neglect. Concerns are mounting as incidents like these become more frequent, putting passersby at risk.
Speaking to GPlus, a nearby vendor said, "The building is falling apart, and it's a danger to everyone around. We've had lucky escapes, but it's only a matter of time before something tragic occurs."
A local travel agent echoed these sentiments, expressing concern over the building's poor condition. "It's supposed to be a hotel, but it looks more like a ruin," he stated. "Other old buildings are being renovated, so why not this one?"
The indifference of the municipal authorities is also drawing criticism. Many are questioning why the building was allowed to deteriorate to such an extent without any intervention.
While speaking to GPlus, a senior official from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) said, "We didn't know about the problem because nobody reported it. But now that it's been brought to our attention, we will look into the matter."
In response to inquiries, the owner of the building assured that steps would be taken to address the issue promptly. However, locals remain skeptical, fearing that such assurances may not translate into meaningful action.
"The owner says they'll fix it, but we'll believe it when we see it," remarked another vendor. "We can't afford to wait for a tragedy to strike before something is done."
Meanwhile, ongoing construction projects, such as the foot overbridge, are compounding issues in the area, causing disruptions to daily life and further intensifying concerns about safety.
With traffic congestion, road conditions, and now the threat posed by dilapidated buildings, the Paltan Bazar area finds itself in the midst of a growing crisis, prompting calls for urgent action to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.
In light of these developments, additional voices from the public have emerged, highlighting the urgency of the situation.One concerned citizen, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed frustration over the lack of accountability and said, "It's unacceptable that we have to live in fear of walking down our own streets. The authorities need to step up and take responsibility before it's too late."
Another vendor, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared a harrowing experience of narrowly escaping injury. "I was walking past that building when the cement fell," they recounted. "It was a close call, and it made me realise just how unsafe our surroundings have become."
Local businesses are also feeling the impact of the deteriorating infrastructure. "Customers are hesitant to visit our shops because they're worried about their safety," said a shop owner. "If nothing is done soon, we'll be facing more problems."
Despite the mounting pressure, some remain hopeful that positive change is possible. "We believe that the authority concerned will take immediate action to uplift the condition. Voices have been raised through your medium and we are looking forward to positive actions," he said.
In response to growing public outcry, municipal authorities have assured to prioritise the issue and expedite necessary decisions. "We understand the gravity of the situation and are committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens," added an official from GMC.
As the authorities work towards a solution, residents remain vigilant and hopeful. Only time will tell whether the conditions will be improved and the public will be able to heave a sigh of relief.