Achi news desk-
Guwahati: Residents and pedestrians of Lakhit Nagar in Guwahati are facing a dilemma as the zebra crossing was blocked ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s visit today, leaving many stranded on both sides of the road.
Also Read: AAP files complaint against BJP for MCC violation in Assam
In a conversation with GPlus, Hemen Das, a daily commuter in Balchit Nagar, said, "It’s ridiculous. We will suffer all day because of the Prime Minister’s visit. I tried to cross the road and found the zebra crossing blocked. What kind of rule is this?"
Click here to join our WhatsApp channel
However, speaking to GPlus, Balchit Nagar traffic police revealed that the barricades will be removed after 10 pm to facilitate normal pedestrian movement.
Given this obstacle, many people turned to the nearby footbridge near Hanuman Mandir as an alternative, whose dismal condition discouraged its use.
"People throw garbage on the bridge and spit tobacco and pan masala, which makes it dirty. Homeless beggars often sleep there, which feels uncomfortable and inappropriate for us pedestrians"Dipika Kalita, owner of a shop in Balchit Nagar, told GPlus.
Despite the severe problems, the lack of periodic maintenance and accountability from the authorities has left the pedestrians stranded.
While the zebra crossing remains a barrier to the Prime Minister’s visit, the neglect of the Hagili bridge raises concerns about public safety and infrastructure maintenance.
"Why is routine maintenance not performed? Are the authorities holding anyone accountable? Why are these facilities in such a deplorable condition that even a healthy person cannot use them? Did the officials receive responsibility? Maintenance should be ongoing; You can’t just build and forget. What actions are the authorities taking?"
Ratul Deka, who works in the Balchit Nagar office, talks to GPlus, "This pedestrian bridge has been neglected by the authorities for a long time. I hope the relevant authorities will take appropriate action and clean up this dilapidated bridge."
GPlus has approached PwD, GMDA and GMC for comments. However, all these authorities seem to be engaging in the blame game, deflecting responsibility instead of addressing the issue.
Speaking to GPlus, an executive from PwD said, "We are not responsible for the maintenance of this leg over the bridge. It is most likely managed by GMDA."
In a conversation with GPlus, an executive from GMDA said, "We built the leg over the bridge, but we are not responsible for its maintenance. It is apparently monitored by the GMC."
GPlus attempted to contact GMC but received no response.
The lack of responsibility and coordination between the authorities highlights the urgent need for collective action to address the plight of pedestrians in Lachit Nagar.
