2024 saw arousal of public conscience over felling of trees to make way for a flyover
The city of Guwahati has witnessed various changes every year and the year going by was no different, but life for the citizens from across all sections was “hectic”. Guwahati is witnessing infrastructural development across spectrums - from roads to flyovers, drainage system, drinking water project, gas pipeline, and many more, but the city is somewhat chaotic for some or other reason and it is hectic for all.
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A school teacher and a mother of 14-year-old girl, Debashree Nath talking to GPlus said, “The year was very hectic as Guwahati is very congested now and travelling anywhere takes time,” adding that not only for working class, but children are also always busy. A child has to meet the academic requirements with so many assignments and projects, thereafter they are busy with co-curricular activities. “Many children even have to participate in summer camps,” said Nath adding that along with the children even parents are busy. She said that the entire year is hectic for the children and even for the parents.
The city is witnessing development, but certain projects appear unplanned making the city chaotic.
Retired IAS officer Swapnanil Barua talking to GPlus said, “The year saw continued efforts to modernise Guwahati’s infrastructure. Projects under the Smart Cities Mission advanced significantly, including improvements in public transportation, roads, and digital connectivity. The Guwahati Ring Road Project, though in its nascent stages, gained momentum, promising to alleviate the city’s notorious traffic congestion in the coming years,” adding that in addition, the completion of new flyovers and the expansion of highways connecting Guwahati to nearby towns will improve accessibility. Yet, the rapid urban sprawl highlighted the need for better urban planning to prevent unregulated construction and ensure equitable access to resources, said Barua. He also said that Guwahati faced hurdles, such as inadequate investment in industries and a lack of robust infrastructure to support large-scale manufacturing. The city’s potential as a trade and logistics hub for Southeast Asia, given its strategic location, remained underutilised.
City-based social activist, Padma Shri awardee and former legislator Ajoy Kumar Dutta said, “I observed that certain things were good for the city this year and some things were concerning,” adding that this is the first time that the public conscience was seen. He said that usually city residents are not concerned but this year the citizens protested against the government regarding the flyover landing near Dighalipukhuri and the best part is that the government agreed to the demands and redesigned the flyover. “It is democracy in the true sense,” said Dutta. Regarding concerns, Dutta said that the public representatives do not work for the people any more. “Ward councillors, legislators, MPs and ministers do not work for the people and only work for their parties,” said Dutta adding that other than the chief minister no public representatives are working.
Talking about government officials, a senior official in Dispur said, “Now government jobs are no more 10 to 5,” adding that many officials in Janata Bhawan work till 12 AM and even on Sundays and holidays. There are so many events organised by every department and even when officials are on leave they have to be engaged over the internet. “2024 was a busy year for all government officials,” said the official.
An IPS officer said that police is always overburdened with work like crime investigation, law and order duties, VIP duties and many training programmes. “Police are busy the entire year and overburdened with work,” said the official.
The city of Guwahati is developing, opening new opportunities for everyone, but somehow the city is also turning hectic and chaotic.
