Making things worse in order to make them THE BEST.

In the city where I currently reside, significant construction activities are underway with the aim of advancing the state’s development. Notably, three flyovers are currently being constructed, with one of them situated near my residence. Regrettably, the ongoing construction work has caused disruption and inconvenience to the local community, impacting the daily lives of residents.

Jharkhand is a state in India which is rich in terms of minerals like coal (27.3% of India’s reserves), iron ore (26% of India’s reserves), copper ore (18.5% of India’s reserves), uranium, mica, bauxite, granite, limestone, silver, graphite, magnetite and dolomite. Jharkhand is the only state in India to produce coking coal, uranium, and pyrite. With 25.7% of the total iron ore (hematite) reserves, Jharkhand ranks second among the states.

On 23rd March 2023, Nitin Gadkari, the esteemed Union Minister and Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, made a resolute commitment to enhance Jharkhand’s infrastructure. He announced a visionary plan to implement a comprehensive highway network worth Rs 2 lakh crore in the state, with the ambitious goal of completing the project by 2024.“The projects that you are seeing at present are just a trailer. I promise I will deliver Rs 2 lakh crore road infrastructure projects in Jharkhand,” Gadkari said addressing a rally in the state capital Ranchi. According to Gadkari, the development of the road network in this region will have a transformative impact on local industries, generating a substantial number of job opportunities. He emphasized that the primary objective is to reduce the logistic cost, which currently stands at 16 percent in India, significantly higher compared to countries like China and the US, where logistics costs hover around 8 and 12 percent respectively. The implementation of the road network is expected to address this discrepancy and enhance the competitive edge of the region’s industries.

The pursuit of smoothness and convenience has inadvertently exacerbated the situation, as construction projects have proliferated, resulting in congested roads everywhere. Day and night, construction work persists, generating incessant noise that disrupts the sleep of countless individuals who must rise early for their daily commitments at schools, colleges, and offices. Moreover, the construction process involves drilling substantial holes to lay foundations and pillars, which releases clouds of dust, obscuring visibility on the roads and increasing the risk of accidents.

One particular instance involves the construction of a flyover, necessitating the complete blockage of the main road. As a temporary solution, makeshift roads have been hastily constructed on the left and right sides of the blocked road, but these alternatives lack proper leveling and stability. Consequently, driving or riding on these temporary roads has become treacherous, with an increased likelihood of accidents and potential damage to vehicles.

It is disheartening that the quest for improved infrastructure and convenience has inadvertently led to a host of challenges, including widespread construction, traffic congestion, noise pollution, sleep deprivation, dust pollution, and compromised road safety. It is imperative for authorities to address these issues promptly, ensuring the well-being and safety of the community as they strive to enhance urban living conditions.

While we acknowledge the importance of these construction projects for the future convenience and development of our state, it is crucial for the government to consider the present circumstances and make judicious decisions to address the problems at hand. It is understandable that such endeavors require time, but it is essential to prioritize the resolution of these issues due to the significant inconveniences they impose upon the residents of Jharkhand.

Balancing the long-term benefits of infrastructure development with the immediate needs of the people is a delicate task. The government should proactively assess the impact of construction activities on the daily lives of citizens, especially regarding their sleep patterns, transportation, and overall safety. Implementing measures to mitigate noise pollution during nighttime construction, such as enforcing stricter noise regulations or providing sound barriers, could alleviate the sleep deprivation experienced by the populace.

Addressing the challenges posed by dust pollution is another pressing matter. Measures such as regular street cleaning, watering the construction sites, and erecting temporary barriers to minimize dust dispersal would contribute to maintaining better visibility on the roads, reducing the risk of accidents.

Additionally, the government should prioritize the construction of temporary roads with better stability and safety features. Ensuring that these alternative routes are well-constructed and properly maintained would significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and vehicle damage, providing a safer commuting experience for the residents.

Recognizing the inconveniences faced by the civilians of Jharkhand, it is essential for the government to demonstrate a commitment to resolving these issues promptly. By striking a balance between future development and present concerns, authorities can foster a more livable environment for the citizens, enhancing their well-being and ensuring that progress is achieved in a manner that minimizes disruptions to their daily lives.