The roads in much of Dehradun are in awful condition, made worse by the rains. Is this not visible to the authorities concerned? Even as the fleets of vehicles transporting the VIPs speed through the streets, are the passengers not jolted out of their complacency by the numerous potholes they encounter? Or is it part of their concept of development?
All kinds of projects are being implemented by various agencies – making Doon a smart city, laying power lines underground, installing sewer lines, undertaking beautification of all sorts, widening roads, demolishing encroachments – but it is done in a way that only makes conditions worse for the city’s residents. Even when the benefits do accrue, eventually, from such projects, other schemes require that these should be dug up again and the debris strewn all over. Why is there no coordination amongst the implementing agencies at the higher planning level so that such problems can be avoided?
One reason for the problem is the time taken to plan and execute these projects. Every now and then there is news of how China builds roads, bridges and buildings in record time. In India it is the opposite – records here are set in extending the works for years on end. Contracts are given out, which are further sub-contracted, eventually ending up in the hands of daily wagers from other states. Payments are delayed, sometimes for months, which means works are abandoned halfway through. Unpaid bribes further cause complications. Contractors are sacked midway at the behest of some miffed politician, requiring the process to start all over again. In the meanwhile, other projects are initiated so that the newly laid road is dug up to for the sewer lines.
Since it is all in diverse hands, nobody takes responsibility for others’ mistakes – they will build around a pile of stones rather than ‘waste’ resources on clearing them. And, of course, private constructions encroach upon public space with impunity, no rules are followed or action taken unless a public protest takes place.
So, who is responsible for the mess? This too is hard to determine because of the multiplicity of agencies and authorities. Naturally, therefore, nobody can be taken to task except for some low level official or contractor responsible for a particular site. It is obvious that the management and engineering skills required for efficient coordination and implementation are lacking in the top brass. It is the people who pay the price as they bounce along on the roads risking life and limb.
