Lucknow: Pre-monsoon rains are flooding the sacred city of Ayodhya, which was supposed to be transformed into a world-class city with a development budget of Rs. 30,000 crores. Despite the assertions made by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) central and state administrations, the city is currently experiencing serious infrastructure challenges, with waterlogged streets and potholes causing inconvenience for both the locals and the devotees.
Ayodhya was shown in all its splendor at the inauguration of the Ram Mandir just half a year ago. But the city’s current situation presents a drastically different image. Many places, including the Jalwanpura Colony near the Ram Temple, are under knee-deep water as pre-monsoon rains arrive. The situation is dire in Janmabhoomi Path, which is overflowing with water, affecting devotees who come to worship Ram Lalla.
Massive Development Budget Questioned
The significant development budget earmarked for Ayodhya encompasses various projects:
- Rs. 1,450 crores for the airport
- Rs. 724 crores for the railway station
- Rs. 4,793 crores for the Ayodhya ring road
- Rs. 787 crores for the 13 km long Ram path
- Rs. 1,140 crores for 14 Kosi Parikrama Marg
- Rs. 773 crores for the Panch Kosi Parikrama Marg
- Rs. 2,180 crores for township
- Rs. 170 crores for renovating old temples
- Rs. 245 crores for the medical college
Despite these allocations, the city’s infrastructure appears ill-equipped to handle the rains. The Ram path, in particular, is severely damaged and filled with potholes, and the pre-monsoon rains have only worsened the condition, raising questions about the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Opposition and Citizen Outcry
Taking advantage of the current situation, the opposition has accused the administration of misleading the people of Ayodhya in the name of Lord Ram. They drew attention to the sufferings of locals and tourists who have to drive through flooded streets and numerous potholes, raising concerns about why such fundamental problems are still unsolved.
The Public Works Departments office and the Rajkiya Shree Ram Chikitsalaya, Ayodhya Dham, are among the prime locations in the city where water has gathered, adding to the dissatisfaction of the general population. To illustrate how serious the situation is, even the military camps assigned to guard the Ram Temple are flooded.
Administrative Responsibility
The roles of key officials are now under scrutiny, including Commissioner Gaurav Dayal, District Magistrate Nitish Kumar, and PWD Chief Dharmveer Singh. How have these officials allowed the holy city’s infrastructure to deteriorate to such an extent? What measures are being taken to address these issues promptly, especially with the monsoon expected to hit Ayodhya between June 26 to June 29?
Both citizens of Ayodhya and critics are urging the government to act quickly to resolve these problems before the official start of monsoon. The residents of Ayodhya, hoping for a speedy resolution, depend on the prompt action of the government to lessen their sufferings and bring back the city’s promised splendor. The way the administration handles these obstacles as Ayodhya awaits the monsoon will determine whether the city’s transformation materializes or remains a pipe dream.
Mahi Saha
Mahi Saha, from Ranchi, reports for Neo Politico.
