Agartala: The Smart City's Descent into the Abyss!!!
Biswanath Bhattacharya
February 2, 2025
The situation at all places in Agartala has become intolerable. The residents are being tormented by an overwhelming influx of mosquitoes, which have severely disrupted our daily lives. Even with fans operating at maximum speed, these relentless pests remain undeterred. Despite our continuous efforts, including spraying Black Hit anti-mosquito spray up to five times a day and running liquidator devices in every room, the menace persists unabated.
Agartala's status as a Smart City has now come under a serious question mark. It is both perplexing and disappointing that we face such distress in a city that aims to set benchmarks in urban living. The frothing or spraying of insecticides is generally done in the VVIP areas like those of Ministers, but the common areas are left to fend for themselves. In the eyes of the law, even the Prime Minister of India and an ordinary citizen like Haridas Pal weigh the same – never nothing less. Why, therefore, is there this selective approach?
What is needed is regular frothing, cleaning of the drains, and spraying of insecticides. But the Agartala Municipal Council (AMC) is in a stupor and remains a silent spectator. Tall talks will do them nothing. Public outrage can lead to dangerous things, and it may send the AMC into the fire of hell. I have written so many letters to AMC, but they are sitting over my letters. They also have a unique tradition of refusing to acknowledge the receipt of letters.
The residents of Agartala are victims of an administrative apathy that is both baffling and infuriating. The relentless onslaught of mosquitoes has turned this once-thriving city into a veritable hell. Our lives have been transformed into a daily struggle against these tiny tormentors whose presence has grown intolerable. Despite the best efforts of the residents, including the frequent use of insecticides and mosquito repellents, the problem persists, casting a long shadow over the city's claim to smartness.
The situation has reached a critical point, where the very essence of urban living in Agartala is at stake. The promise of a smart city lies shattered in the face of this onslaught, as the authorities have failed to address the root causes of the problem. The selective approach to insecticide spraying, favoring VVIP areas, underscores a glaring disparity in the treatment of different sections of the population. This blatant disregard for the well-being of ordinary citizens is a stark reminder of the systemic issues that plague our city.
Amidst this chaos, the threat of mosquito-borne diseases looms large. These tiny pests are not merely an annoyance; they are carriers of some of the most debilitating and deadly diseases known to humanity. Dengue fever, malaria, Zika virus, chikungunya, and West Nile virus are just a few of the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. The health implications of these diseases are severe, ranging from high fever and joint pain to neurological complications and even death. The persistent presence of mosquitoes in Agartala poses a significant public health risk, exacerbating the existing challenges faced by the residents.
In a city that aspires to be a model of modern urban living, the failure to control the mosquito menace is a glaring indictment of the administration's inefficacy. The lack of regular frothing, drainage cleaning, and comprehensive insecticide spraying has allowed the mosquito population to flourish unchecked. The AMC's inertia in addressing this critical issue has left the residents feeling abandoned and helpless. The city's claim to smartness is rendered hollow in the face of this overwhelming problem, highlighting the disparity between the promises made and the reality experienced by the citizens.
The residents of Agartala have shown remarkable resilience in the face of this adversity. They have taken it upon themselves to combat the mosquito menace, utilizing every available resource to protect their homes and families. However, their efforts are ultimately in vain without the support of the municipal authorities. The AMC's continued inaction is a gross dereliction of duty, betraying the trust placed in them by the citizens. The letters and pleas of the residents have gone unanswered, further fueling the frustration and anger that simmers beneath the surface.
Public outrage is a powerful force, and the AMC would do well to heed the growing discontent among the residents. The city's administration cannot afford to remain indifferent to the plight of its citizens, for the consequences of such neglect can be dire. The health and well-being of the residents hang in the balance, and the failure to address the mosquito problem in a timely and effective manner could lead to a public health crisis of unprecedented proportions.
The solution to this problem lies not in sporadic and selective measures but in a comprehensive and sustained approach to mosquito control. Regular frothing, thorough cleaning of drains, and consistent insecticide spraying across all areas of the city are essential steps that must be taken. The AMC must acknowledge the severity of the situation and act with urgency to restore the city's livability. The promise of a smart city can only be fulfilled when the basic needs and safety of its residents are prioritized and protected.
Agartala stands at a crossroads, where the choices made today will determine the future of the city and its inhabitants. The mosquito menace is a test of the administration's commitment to its citizens and its ability to deliver on the promise of a smart city. The residents have endured enough, and it is time for the AMC to rise to the occasion and take decisive action. The transformation from a city of hell to a true smart city is within reach, but it requires a concerted effort and unwavering dedication to the well-being of all its citizens.
The battle against mosquitoes is not just a fight for comfort and convenience; it is a fight for health, safety, and dignity. The residents of Agartala have the right to live in a city that values their well-being and takes proactive measures to protect them from preventable threats. The AMC must recognize this fundamental responsibility and act with the urgency and determination that the situation demands. Only then can Agartala reclaim its status as a smart city and provide its residents with the quality of life they deserve.
(Tripurainfo)