- May 28, 2024
Development Projects in Smart City Dharamshala Causing Significant Disruption for Residents

Development Projects in Smart City Dharamshala Causing Significant Disruption for Residents
Dharamsala (arvind sharma)28/5/24
Residents of Dharamsala, designated as a Smart City, are currently facing significant disruptions due to ongoing development projects. While these initiatives aim to modernize infrastructure and enhance the quality of life in the long term, the immediate impact on daily life has been challenging for many.
Construction activities have led to frequent traffic jams, making commuting within the city a time-consuming affair. Key roads and intersections are often blocked or diverted, causing delays and frustration for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Residents have reported increased levels of noise due to heavy machinery and dust from the construction work. This has particularly affected those living near construction sites, disrupting their peace and posing health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions.
Several areas have experienced interruptions in access to essential services such as water and electricity due to the relocation of utilities to accommodate construction. This has led to intermittent shortages, adding to the public’s inconvenience.
Construction zones, often not adequately secured, pose safety risks for residents, especially children and the elderly. There have been instances of accidents and injuries reported around these sites.
Local citizens have expressed mixed feelings about the ongoing development. While there is a general understanding of the long-term benefits, the immediate inconveniences are a significant source of frustration. Many residents have called for better planning and communication from the authorities to minimize disruption.
In a controversial turn of events, the proposed construction site for the Press Club Dharamshala witnessed unauthorized demolition activities earlier this month. A JCB machine operated without prior notice, leading to the destruction of the boundary wall, gate, and several trees and plants along the property’s perimeter. Local journalists and residents were taken aback by the sudden destruction. When questioned about the legality of their actions, including necessary permits from relevant authorities, no satisfactory responses were provided. The Press Club Dharamshala has lodged formal complaints with multiple district officials, including the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police in Kangra Dharamshala.
Barjinder Singh, a retired Indian Army officer, highlighted the added issue of the demolition crew removing debris and causing further damage without any attempts at remediation. Another local, Sandeep Mahajan, reported discrepancies in the execution of what was supposed to be a minor adjustment for installing smart lights and CCTV infrastructure; instead, an excessive area was cleared, causing unnecessary destruction.
The development projects in Dharamsala are a double-edged sword. While they promise a more modern and efficient city infrastructure in the future, the current execution phase is proving to be quite disruptive for the residents. It is crucial for the authorities to balance progress with the immediate needs and well-being of the public, ensuring that the path to modernization does not come at the cost of everyday life.
Residents, who are paying substantial house taxes and other bills, should not face the destruction of their properties, and the authorities should take better care of citizens.
Surprisingly, none of the political leaders have reacted to this incident.