BARPETA, Dec 4 - That the Public Works Department of the State is responsible for the plight of Government buildings and roads alike is evident from the deplorable condition of the Inspection Bunglow situated at Sarthebari town. This bunglow was built by the department just after the independence of the nation aiming at temporary rest of the officials of the department as well as visiting dignitaries.
The bunglow was built in a vast area in the heart of Sarthebari town adjacent to the office of the Sectional Officer of the PWD (Roads) Sarthebari Section. Some residential buildings for the employees of the department including the caretakers of the bunglow were also built alongside.
Built with superior quality wood, with fine corrugated sheets on the roof like any other buildings of the early and mid 20th century, it carries the glory of the area. It carries the memory of several great personalities of the State including Late Mahendra Mohan Choudhury, Late Hitesh Deka, Dr Lila Gogoi etc. Any VIP coming to Sarthebari either for a daylong visit or for a night halt was accommodated in the Inspection Bunglow.
This bunglow, the only public building with wide frontage became a centre of public activities in the eastern part of Barpeta. It became a centre of social, cultural and literary activities of that area. Regarding the convenience of the location and easy accessibility, organisers of public activities used the campus as a centre of coordination.
But it is a matter of grave concern that such an important building has lost its glory and importance only because of the negligence and indifference of the concerned departments. Since its inception, no repairing work has been undertaken to keep it fit for use. As a result, not only the bungalow, but also the office buildings and the residences of the staff have decayed with the passage of time. The bunglow is no more suitable for overnight stay. Though there are two beds and a few chairs inside the dilapidated buildings, the toilets have become completely useless. There is no provision of water either for bathing or drinking.
The office of the Sectional Officer has been completely damaged as the doors, windows and walls had collapsed many years ago. No officer to be called sectional officer is seen in the campus for a long period. No one in the locality knows who is the sectional officer now and where from the officer conducts his official assignment.
The antisocial elements have taken full advantage of the abandoned area. It has become a centre of drinking and gambling. The frontage which was once used for public activities has turned into a parking place of commercial vehicles.
The people of the area regret the negligence of the authorities towards their pride and prestige and have demanded early restoration of this bunglow and the office.
