Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.
The Geetanagar police station in Guwahati, established in 1983, is facing 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 had fallen into neglect, and needed urgent renovation under the MOITRI (Mission for General Improvement of Thana for Responsive Image) program of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Launched with great promise, the scheme aims to modernize police stations across Assam to improve the working conditions of police personnel and improve public service delivery. However, for Geetanagar, this change remains a distant dream.
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The station’s current state has left workers frustrated, struggling to perform their duties effectively amid a host of infrastructure problems. With crumbling walls, leaking roofs and inadequate facilities, the station barely meets the basic standards required to function as a law enforcement office. The officers on duty face daily challenges, from mosquito attacks to frequent flooding, making it almost impossible to operate effectively.
Introduced in December 2020, the MOITRI scheme has been heralded as a game-changer for police infrastructure across Assam. The initiative aims to upgrade police stations with modern amenities, comfortable work spaces and improved public interaction areas, setting a new benchmark for law enforcement facilities. Several police stations were successfully renovated under this scheme, setting examples of what the future of policing in Assam could look like. However, Gitnagar police station seems to be left behind.
When asked about the delay in implementing the scheme in Gitnagar, officials expressed disappointment and a sense of neglect.
Speaking to GPlus, an official from the Gitnagar police station who requested anonymity said: “The MOITRI program was supposed to set new standards for police stations, but Gitnagar 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 worsened over the years due to lack of maintenance.
The deterioration in the condition of the police station had a severe effect on the morale of the police officers and the staff working there. With broken furniture, exposed wiring and crumbling plaster, the environment is far from conducive to effective policing. One of the most urgent issues highlighted by the staff members is mosquito contamination, which poses a health risk to everyone at the station.
“There are a lot of mosquitoes, and we can’t do anything about it. The situation is unbearable, especially in the evening. We’ve tried using repellents, but nothing seems to work,” said a frustrated officer. The location of the station in a swampy area makes it a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which adds to the hardships of its workers.
Falling water is another ongoing problem that disrupts daily operations at the station. “Since the police station is in a low-lying area, water often enters the premises during heavy rains. We have to wade through ankle-deep water to reach our desks. Important documents and files are at constant risk of being damaged,” another senior official explained. The frequent flooding not only harms the work of the station but also poses a serious risk to essential equipment, including computers and communication devices.
Despite the dire situation of the Gitnagar police station, there seems to be some hope on the horizon. In a conversation with GPlus, a senior official from the Commissioner of Police acknowledged the problems and outlined the plans for the future of the station. “The police station in Gitnagar, where it is now, will be demolished and then renovated at the same place,” the official said.
However, this program is not without its challenges. The proposed schedule for the demolition and reconstruction of the station is expected to last over 1.5 years. During this period, it will be necessary to move the station temporarily, which may 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 speed up the process,” the 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 compromised during the rehabilitation phase. The lack of a clear plan for these interim measures has left anxiety in both the workforce and the local community.
Local residents expressed their frustration at the lack of progress in renovating the station. “We come here with our complaints, but when we see the state 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 of Gitnagar who frequently visits the station.
The situation at the police station in Gitnagar highlights the urgent need for the intervention of the authorities. While the commitment to refurbish the station is a step in the right direction, the slow pace of progress has raised questions about the execution of the MOITRI plan and its effectiveness in meeting the needs of all police stations equally.
As the renovation plans progress, the police station in Gitnagar stands as a reminder of the challenges facing many police stations across the country. The success of the MOITRI program will ultimately be measured by how well these challenges are addressed, ensuring that every police station, regardless of location, is equipped to serve the community effectively.
Until then, the police officers in Gitnagar continue to work in challenging conditions, motivated by their commitment to public service, even as they await the necessary change of their workplace.
(Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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