Monuments of corruption: Projects worth Rs 900 crore lie abandoned in Chhattisgarh
In the heart of Naya Raipur, a gleaming skywalk built at a staggering cost of crores stands deserted. Below it, there are no commuters, no busy footfalls, only the echo of mismanagement and waste. This isn't an isolated story, but a recurring theme across Chhattisgarh.Over the past decade, the Chhattisgarh government has spent more than Rs 1,000 crore on skywalks, luxury malls, bus stands, auditoriums and ministerial bungalows. Yet, most of these grand projects have become empty monuments to poor planning and alleged corruption.advertisementThe Rs 100 crore CBD Mall, locked since 2019, is a glaring example. A Rs 10 crore bus stand has been gathering dust for eight years. A Rs 8 crore hospital, meant to serve the poor, is still not operational.
Across the state, numerous such structures, intended to benefit the public, now lie abandoned, caught in a web of inefficiency and graft, reportedly enriching contractors and politicians, with total estimated losses nearing Rs 900 crore.Locals are frustrated. 'This skywalk is a waste. It's not useful at all,' said one resident. 'In fact, it's unsafe for women. It's become an adda for goons.' Another echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the projects have failed to serve any real purpose.Urban planners argue that these projects were never meant to meet real needs.advertisement'A simple foot over bridge would have solved the traffic congestion issues,' says RTI activist Rakesh Chaubey. 'There was no need for a skywalk worth crores. It's clear corruption funds meant for real development were siphoned off into vanity projects.'The contrast is jarring. While hollow urban structures stand unused, footage from remote villages shows people walking miles for water, children studying in dilapidated schools, and patients waiting outside crumbling health centres.As these monuments of neglect stand in silent testimony, political blame games have begun. Congress spokesperson Amit Srivastava blamed the previous BJP government, stating, 'These projects were started under BJP rule, which focused more on glitzy structures than real development.'Countering this, PWD Minister and Deputy CM Arun Sao said, 'The Congress has been in power for years now. Why haven't they put these buildings to use? Instead of fixing issues, they keep blaming others.'Today, these deserted structures are not just reminders of wasted public money but also symbols of flawed governance. As Chhattisgarh's citizens continue to struggle for basic needs, these vacant buildings stand as stark indictments of misplaced priorities and systemic corruption.Must Watch
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