Neglected traffic islands showcase sorry state of civic affairs '

Haphazard development of Nagpur city is now clearly visible to all and the ‘progress’ has now moved from organised to messy everywhere. The ongoing work of cement roads has now became a headache for Nagpurians. Whereas, the beautification work done by the civic body on footpaths and islands in every squares is now waiting for even the regular maintenance. Till a few years ago, the beautiful islands and footpaths were a matter of proud for citizens.

However, the scenario has drastically changed now. Clock Tower at Ajni Square, circular boundary of Medical Square, Huge orange at Morris College T-Point and statues at different squares are some examples that require immediate maintenance. Till a few years ago, several tourists visited the city and got impressed with the infrastructure works in progress, and all the signs of growth story. However, the recent past has seen tourists not revisiting the city due to messy development work. For, they have realised how haphazardly is the development being carried out in the city. Cement roads were constructed, but ramps were not for a long time.

The Hitavada ran so many campaigns to awaken the authorities concerned but the situation remained the same. Still, at many places, the beautification structures and statues are in utterly bad shape. While constructing the roads, the concern authority and the contractor both simply ignored to preserve the beautification area. Instead, the contractors dumped debris over these structures. Sadly, the situation is same everywhere in the city.

The debris of construction works are dumped in the ‘would-be street-dividers’ also. The islands and the street dividers where the beautification work took place has now become abandoned portion that is never maintained by local body and also not left to use for other purpose due to the debris. Bushes have grown in these islands which is also blocking the view of commuters while crossing the squares and also block traffic signals. Though the authorities are claiming that they were working hard to make city beautiful, there are enough examples exposing the truth of their claims. In the name of dechoking of trees, the roots of several big trees were left exposed.

Encroachments, dumping of garbage, unchecked growth of weeds and bushes are destroying the beauty of the city. Several areas in the city have street-lights that are not functioning. This makes it difficult, for two-wheeler riders and four-wheeler drivers to drive safely in the night, particularly in rainy season. In monsoon, sand and mud get dumped on the roads. But, even that is not cleared by the authorities. In fact, they wait to get complaints from citizens to remove them. There is lack of swiftness of action if one considers overall set-up. The lack of political leadership that can visualise a better future for the city -- in terms of cleanliness and sanitation, proper illumination, beautification, liveability, smoothness of roads, proper management of traffic signals etc.