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Chirang District Centre

Chirang, June 25: The administrative complex in Chirang district, intended to be the hub of governance, is currently under fire for its poor condition.

With waste accumulating throughout the premises and essential facilities like toilets falling into disrepair, the District Centre complex is now a symbol of neglect, showcasing inadequate upkeep and unsanitary conditions.

Constructed at a significant expense following the establishment of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), this three-story building was meant to consolidate around 40 government departments in one location.

Accumulated waste within the complex

Years of neglect have left the building visibly rundown, with trash piling up in various areas, including outside the District Rural Development Agency's (DRDA) only conference hall located on the second floor.

Officials have noted a lack of regular sanitation and waste management protocols.

"Our air conditioning units are non-operational, and during power outages, we cannot utilize the generator as it is also malfunctioning. We lack the funds for repairs," stated Arvind Rabha, Project Director of the DRDA.

Rabha mentioned that he has been informed of ongoing repair efforts by the Public Works Department (PWD), which may address these concerns as promised by the Executive Engineer.

While some departments have taken it upon themselves to arrange cleaning at their own cost and have locked their facilities to maintain usability, many restrooms remain neglected.

When questioned about maintenance responsibilities, Rabha clarified that his role is limited to granting access to the conference hall.

He further explained that there is no dedicated maintenance team for the building, as the DRDA lacks sanitation personnel and several positions remain unfilled.

"All staff, including myself, receive salaries from non-BTC sources. However, the BTC government is taking steps to establish a Chief Development Officer's office here. Once that is in place and permanent positions are created, I believe the BTC administration will be better equipped to manage the facility effectively," he added.

Over the years, various departments such as Education, Information and Public Relations, Agriculture, and Health have relocated to separate office buildings.

Nevertheless, the departments still operating from the district administrative complex are doing so amidst deteriorating infrastructure and unsatisfactory sanitary conditions.

Despite being designed to accommodate numerous government offices, the complex is reportedly overseen by just one temporary watchman and lacks dedicated sanitation staff, highlighting the significant maintenance challenges faced by this crucial administrative center in Chirang.