Geetanagar Police Station in Guwahati, established in 1983, faces urgent renovation needs under the MOITRI scheme, struggling with poor infrastructure and low morale among its personnel.
Established in 1983, Geetanagar Police Station, a crucial outpost in Guwahati’s law enforcement network, is now in a state of disrepair. Despite being one of the city’s vital police stations, it has fallen into neglect, urgently needing renovation under the Home Department’s MOITRI (Mission for Overall Improvement of Thana for Responsive Image) scheme. The scheme, launched with great promise, aimed to modernize police stations across Assam to improve working conditions for police personnel and enhance public service delivery. However, for Geetanagar, this transformation remains a distant dream.
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The station’s current condition has left personnel frustrated, struggling to carry out their duties effectively amid a host of infrastructural issues. With crumbling walls, leaking roofs, and inadequate facilities, the station barely meets the basic standards required for functioning as a law enforcement office. Officers on duty face daily challenges, ranging from mosquito infestations to frequent flooding, making it nearly impossible to operate efficiently.
The MOITRI scheme, introduced in December 2020, was hailed as a game-changer for police infrastructure across Assam. The initiative aimed to upgrade police stations with modern amenities, comfortable working spaces, and improved public interaction areas, setting a new benchmark for law enforcement facilities. Several police stations were successfully refurbished under this scheme, setting examples of what the future of policing in Assam could look like. Yet, Geetanagar Police Station seems to have been left behind.
When asked about the delayed implementation of the scheme at Geetanagar, officials expressed disappointment and a sense of neglect.
Talking to GPlus, an official from Geetanagar police station seeking anonymity said, “The MOITRI scheme was supposed to set new standards for police stations, but Geetanagar remains untouched. We feel ignored and helpless,” The station, located in a low-lying area, is particularly prone to waterlogging during the monsoon season, a problem that has been exacerbated over the years due to a lack of maintenance.
The deteriorating condition of the police station has severely impacted the morale of the officers and staff who work there. With broken furniture, exposed wiring, and crumbling plaster, the environment is far from conducive to effective policing. One of the most pressing issues highlighted by the personnel is the infestation of mosquitoes, which poses a health risk to everyone at the station.
“There are a lot of mosquitoes, and we cannot do anything about it. The condition is unbearable, especially during the evening hours. We have tried using repellents, but nothing seems to work,” said a frustrated officer. The station’s location in a swampy area makes it a breeding ground for mosquitoes, adding to the woes of those working there.
Waterlogging is another persistent issue that disrupts daily operations at the station. “Because the police station is in a low-lying area, water often enters the premises during heavy rainfall. We have to wade through ankle-deep water to reach our desks. Important documents and files are at constant risk of getting damaged,” explained another official. The frequent flooding not only hampers the station’s work but also poses a serious risk to essential equipment, including computers and communication devices.
Despite the dire state of Geetanagar Police Station, there seems to be some hope on the horizon. Speaking to GPlus, a senior official from the Commissioner of Police office acknowledged the issues and outlined the plans for the station’s future. “The Geetanagar Police Station, where it is now, will be demolished and then renovated at the same place,” the official said.
However, this plan is not without its challenges. The proposed timeline for the demolition and rebuilding of the station is expected to stretch over 1.5 years. During this period, the station will need to be relocated temporarily, which could disrupt policing activities in the area. “It will take at least 1.5 years to rebuild the new building. This is a significant project, and we are trying our best to expedite the process,” the senior official added.
While the commitment to rebuild the police station is a positive step, the extended timeline raises concerns about the continuity of police services in the area. Temporary arrangements will need to be made to ensure that law enforcement operations are not hampered during the reconstruction phase. The lack of a clear plan for these interim measures has left both the personnel and the local community anxious.
Local residents have expressed their frustration over the lack of progress in renovating the station. “We come here with our complaints, but seeing the condition of the police station, it feels like no one is listening to us. If the police themselves are working in such poor conditions, how can we expect them to help us effectively?” said a resident in Geetanagar who frequently visits the station.
The situation at Geetanagar Police Station highlights the urgent need for intervention from the authorities. While the commitment to renovate the station is a step in the right direction, the slow pace of progress has raised questions about the execution of the MOITRI scheme and its effectiveness in addressing the needs of all police stations equally.
As the renovation plans move forward, the Geetanagar Police Station stands as a reminder of the challenges faced by many police stations across the state. The success of the MOITRI scheme will ultimately be measured by how well it addresses these challenges, ensuring that every police station, regardless of location, is equipped to serve the community effectively.
Until then, the officers at Geetanagar continue to work under challenging conditions, driven by their commitment to public service, even as they wait for the much-needed transformation of their workplace.
