‘Garibi Chupaao’: AMC Builds Wall to Hide Slum from US Prez Trump

On the occasion of US President Donald Trump’s visit to Ahmedabad on 24 February, a ‘beautification drive’ is underway in the city, similar to Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to Gujarat in 2017.The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is constructing a wall along the Saraniyavaas slum that is on the stretch from Gandhinagar to the Ahmedabad airport.When I read about the news in The Indian Express, I decided to go to the ground and see what was happening. ‘AMC is Damaging a National Monument To Lay Drainage Lines’The moment I reached, I was told that the construction started early this week and labourers are working all day and night to finish the work on time.A roadshow with US President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi will likely cross through this route. By then, the wall will symbolically hide India’s disparity from the US President.Historic Mughal Gate Razed in Ahmedabad, Authorities Pass BlameUnfortunately, in the process of beautifying the city, the government is trying to make invisible several of its own citizens. It is unmoved by the difficulties faced by these slum-dwellers.Several women I spoke to told me that there is only one water source for the entire slum area ie around 500 semi-pucca houses. These women, several of whom are day labourers, say that their standard of living hasn’t improved since the 1980s.The government is not bothered to provide basic amenities to the poor. With no proper education, there is no opportunity for children of Saraniyavaas to think of a better future.Under Indira Gandhi, Garibi Hatao (“Remove poverty”) became a popular slogan for poverty alleviation. Now, however, it seems as if the slogan has changed to Garibi Chhipao (“Hide poverty’)!Whether poor or rich, every individual is an equal citizen of India. So, both the central and state governments must make sure that instead of creating walls to hide them, citizens and their rights are provided for.Illegal Construction Near Brick Minars Must Be Questioned (All 'My Report' branded stories are submitted by citizen journalists to The Quint. Though The Quint inquires into the claims/allegations from all parties before publishing, the report and the views expressed above are the citizen journalist's own. The Quint neither endorses, nor is responsible for the same.)

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‘Garibi Chupaao’: AMC Builds Wall to Hide Slum from US Prez Trump

A roadshow with US President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi will likely cross through the route.