PNS | DEHRADUN
Local residents have said that the State government should prioritise the sustainable development of roads and other infrastructure in the State, rather than merely undertaking temporary measures in the name of development, especially in light of the 38th National Games. The citizens said this after chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed plans for the renovation and construction of roads in anticipation of the the 38th National Games, scheduled to take place from January 28 to February 14, 2025, in Uttarakhand.
Additionally, the CM encouraged local residents to engage in the event in a manner similar to the celebrations of Deepawali. In response, local residents pointed out that the government tends to concentrate on short-term improvements during major events, which often diminish once the events conclude, rather than implementing lasting changes.
A local resident Vansh Bijnoi said that a previous G20 summit took place in the city. To ensure its success and to create an appealing atmosphere for guests, the government beautified the city with wall paintings, artifacts made from plastic waste and even renovated the roads. However, it has been observed that once the event concludes, many of these enhancements deteriorate due to insufficient maintenance. The wall paintings have faded and the road repairs, constructed with temporary materials, have quickly developed holes. In light of this, he urged the government to ensure that local residents can fully support the upcoming national games only if the development of the city is aimed at permanence rather than being merely event-driven.
“The government should prioritised not only its own benefits but also the needs of local residents. The road construction for the forthcoming national games must not be temporary and should utilise durable materials. The focus should be on lasting development that endures over time, rather than just for standard use,”said another local resident Gulshan Kumar
Further, another local resident Meena Chaudhary added that it has been noted that the urban development undertaken in preparation for the G-20 summit tends to diminish over time, as the government typically prioritised temporary improvements for short durations over that time. This time, she emphasised that local residents can only provide their support if the government concentrates on long-term development for the forthcoming event, including the permanent construction of roads in the vicinity of the ISBT and railway station, rather than merely addressing this matter as a formality.
