The government is apparently promoting ‘ease of doing business’ for the investors in Assam at the cost of ‘ease of movement’ of the citizens. The Guwahatians this Sunday had a harrowing time while driving through the streets.
Sunday walking zone and ongoing Advantage Assam simply double up the problems of the dwellers of the proposed smart city. It also shows the state government was not smart enough keeping in view the possible problems may arise while organizing such a gala event.
Schools along the National Highway were forced to close down on Saturday. The Sunday traditional market at Beltola was also closed by the administration. The government seems to have failed to plan it out in advance how to tackle these problems without causing inconvenience to the people.
Forced closure or diversion of vehicular movement seems to be the easiest strategy the think tank of the administration can adopt for the smooth functioning of Global Investors’ Summit.
Since it is Sunday – two walking zones on the Southern and Northern parts of the city causing nightmarish driving experiences for the citizens. The stretch from Sukreswar Temple to Bharalumukh along the Brahmaputra in the city is converted into a walking zone. So those driving to and fro Northern part are having a nightmarish experience. The scenario is same if anyone wants to drive through the Southern part of the city. He or she will face the same problem on the stretch from Khanapara veterinary field to Regional Science Centre.
Unprecedented traffic congestion was seen on the National Highway. A long queue of vehicles stranded on the both sides of the National Highway causing much inconvenience to the people. Movement of vehicular traffic came to a standstill near Bharalumukh also due to the Sunday walking zone.
The government has taken a welcome step to bring investors by organizing Advantage Assam. But it has failed miserably when it comes to offer advantage to the Guwahatians.