Why Guwahati is not a global city or can’t become one in future?
“Implementing a drainage system akin to the one in Hong Kong, even with its origins dating back to the 1960s, would indeed be a transformative dream for Guwahati in 2024. Hong Kong's highly efficient and advanced drainage system is a marvel of engineering, capable of managing heavy rainfall and minimizing the risk of flooding even in densely populated urban areas.
In contrast, Guwahati grapples with frequent flooding during the monsoon
season, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods.
The city's current drainage infrastructure is inadequate to cope with the rapid
pace of urbanization and the increasing intensity of rainfall events
exacerbated by climate change.”
It is crucial to shed light on the key challenges that impede its progress. While the city holds immense potential as a strategic hub in Northeast India, there are critical areas that require urgent attention and concerted efforts from visionary leadership to bridge the existing gaps.
One of the primary advantages Guwahati possesses is its proximity to
Southeast Asian countries. However, this advantage remains largely untapped due
to inadequate infrastructure and connectivity. Despite its potential to serve
as a major airport hub, Guwahati's aviation facilities are yet to meet
international standards. Similarly, road and waterway networks require
significant improvements to facilitate seamless trade and travel with
neighboring nations.
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Moreover, the peripheral areas of the city suffer from neglect and lack
of planned development. Basic amenities and infrastructure are sorely lacking
in these regions, hindering inclusive growth and exacerbating urban-rural
disparities. Addressing this imbalance requires a comprehensive approach to
urban planning and investment in essential services.
While entrepreneurship holds promise as a catalyst for economic growth,
Guwahati's startup ecosystem faces numerous challenges. Access to funding,
mentorship, and market opportunities remains limited, stifling the potential of
budding entrepreneurs. Efforts to support and nurture entrepreneurial ventures
are essential to unlock the city's innovation potential and stimulate job
creation.
Where rest of the nation has a burgeoning IT industry, the city has
none, the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for multinational
corporations (MNCs) has been slow. Regulatory hurdles and bureaucratic red tape
impede investment and hinder the city's ability to attract global tech giants.
Streamlining processes and offering incentives are imperative to position
Guwahati as a competitive destination for international businesses.
Furthermore, the city's infrastructure is woefully inadequate and lacks
futuristic and sustainable solutions. Inadequate transportation networks,
insufficient utilities, and environmental degradation pose significant
challenges to Guwahati's development. Addressing these issues requires
visionary leadership and long-term planning to ensure infrastructure
development aligns with the city's future needs and sustainability goals.
In promoting multiculturalism and inclusivity, Guwahati has made
strides, but there is still much work to be done. Syndicate-based practices and
favoritism persist in both government and private sectors, undermining meritocracy
and perpetuating inequalities. Creating a level playing field and fostering a
culture of transparency and accountability are essential to ensure equitable
opportunities for all.
Guwahati's journey towards global city status is fraught with
challenges, it is not insurmountable. Its path to becoming a global city
faces a significant hurdle with current leadership more focused on superficial
matters than addressing fundamental issues. Without visionary leadership
dedicated to tackling challenges like infrastructure, transportation, and
governance, the city's aspirations remain distant. Citizens must demand
accountability and advocate for change to ensure Guwahati's progress towards a
brighter future.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of The Critical Script or its editor.
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