GUWAHATI: As Guwahati prepares to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi and delegates to the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0, the Public Works Department (PWD) and other agencies are engaged in last-minute beautification efforts to impress the visiting dignitary. However, the ongoing works, conducted in broad daylight, are causing significant inconvenience to the public.
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Modi is scheduled to arrive on February 24 and attend the first day of the two-day Advantage Assam 2.0 summit on February 25.
Tasks such as road markings, repainting dividers, hurried planting of bushes and flowers, and installing archways depicting Assam’s heritage under the Advantage Assam initiative are in full swing. However, concerns have been raised over the neglect of worker safety, public mobility, and the absence of adequate cautionary signage.
Particularly in accident-prone areas such as Dharapur, Azara, and stretches of NH-27 between Jalukbari and Boragaon, temporary bamboo barricades have been erected amidst fast-moving traffic, heightening the risk of mishaps.
A worker under the PWD, speaking to GPlus, said, "We are just following orders with the materials and equipment provided. We are also helping to manage traffic as there are no officials available."
A resident from Azara said, "I've seen such gimmicks before. The work is rushed to meet deadlines, but in reality, it is a waste of effort. For example, white road markings are being painted over dried mud. How will that help?"
He further added, "Plants being placed purely for aesthetics will wither away soon."
Meanwhile, a PWD official told GPlus, "We were given strict instructions to complete the work. The workers were also instructed to minimise any inconvenience."
Recently, the public faced severe traffic congestion in Dharapur due to the beautification efforts. A resident of Ulubari, returning from the airport, recounted, "It usually takes around 45 minutes to reach home, but the other day, I was stuck for nearly four to five hours due to the ongoing project, which continued throughout the day. It's unacceptable."
With the deadline fast approaching, the city’s cosmetic transformation appears to prioritise appearances over public convenience and safety, leaving residents frustrated with the temporary chaos.
