Frustration has boiled over in the hills of Uttarakhand as councillors in Almora have taken to the streets, launching an indefinite protest outside the municipal corporation. The demonstration, which began on Wednesday, is led by Congress-backed and independent councillors who cite a complete halt in development work and a worsening monkey problem as their primary grievances.
Administrative Vacuum Halts Progress
The protesters allege that the town's administration has been in a state of paralysis for nearly a year. A key point of contention is the absence of a full-time municipal commissioner, a critical post that has remained vacant since the corporation's formation. Currently, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) holds the additional charge, but councillors argue this arrangement is ineffective.
Councillor Hem Tiwari, voicing the collective anger, stated that despite numerous reminders, the state government has failed to make a permanent appointment. "His primary responsibilities leave little time for municipal affairs," Tiwari said about the CDO. This administrative gap has led to a situation where development projects are buried in files and no decisive calls can be made, directly impacting the public.
Dual Crises: Stuck Files and Simian Scourge
The protest highlights a twin crisis facing Almora. First is the administrative stagnation, where important files related to civic projects and public works remain stuck without movement. This has effectively brought all planned development to a standstill.
Second is the escalating issue of the growing monkey menace, which has been causing significant distress to residents. The protesters argue that the lack of a dedicated and empowered municipal authority has left the town helpless in addressing this persistent problem, along with other day-to-day civic issues.
Public Suffering and a Call for Action
The councillors emphasize that the ultimate sufferers of this administrative logjam are the citizens of Almora. With no one at the helm to take authoritative decisions, the corporation is unable to function effectively. The indefinite nature of the protest signals a deep-seated frustration and a demand for immediate resolution from the state authorities.
The situation underscores a broader challenge of governance and timely appointments in local bodies. The protestors have vowed to continue their demonstration until concrete steps are taken to appoint a full-time commissioner and unclog the administrative pipeline, hoping to restore both development momentum and civic order in Almora.
