The 'Smart City' Dream Remains Unfulfilled; Beautification of Bhairwa Pond Stuck in Limbo Six Months After Project Closure
Bhagalpur: The central government’s ambitious 'Smart City Mission,' which once promised to transform the face of Bhagalpur, has now been reduced to mere files. Six months have passed since the official closure of the mission in December 2025, yet several key city projects remain incomplete. Among the most prominent is the beautification of Bhairwa Pond, which continues to tell a tale of administrative neglect.
The Current Situation
Crores of rupees were allocated for the rejuvenation of Bhairwa Pond. The project aimed to construct concrete banks around the pond, walking tracks, seating benches, lighting, and general beautification. However, ever since the Smart City Mission’s deadline expired in December 2025, work here has come to a complete standstill. The current reality is that the half-finished construction is now gradually deteriorating. Debris from construction materials lies scattered along the pond's edge, not only causing inconvenience to local residents but also marring the natural beauty of the area.
A List of Unfinished Tasks
Locals allege that the contractors abandoned the work midway and vanished. The boundary wall and the tracks that were supposed to encircle the pond remain incomplete. With the monsoon season approaching, there is a looming fear that these half-finished structures could lead to waterlogging, creating potential flooding issues for the surrounding neighborhoods.
Administrative Silence and Questions of Accountability
Following the closure of the mission, it remains unclear who is responsible for completing the remaining projects. Smart City officials claim they are coordinating at a high level, but there is no activity visible on the ground. A blame game regarding "who is responsible" continues between the Municipal Corporation and the Smart City Cell, the brunt of which is being borne by the city's citizens.
Outrage Among Local Residents
Area residents are deeply frustrated. A local citizen remarked, "We thought Bhairwa Pond would become a major tourist attraction for the city, but now it is becoming a dumping ground for waste or a hangout for anti-social elements. The government spent crores, but the result is zero."
The public is demanding that either the remaining work be completed immediately using the remaining funds or that it be transferred to another government scheme as soon as possible so that public money does not go completely to waste.
What is the Next Step?
Following the closure of the Smart City Mission, there is hope that the State Government or the District Administration will intervene. Experts suggest that if these unfinished projects are not completed in time, the crores of rupees invested by the government will be entirely lost, and the condition of the pond will become worse than it was before.
For now, the citizens of Bhagalpur are waiting for an answer to the question: when will the beautification of Bhairwa Pond be completed, and when will the city get a well-organized and clean public space?
