The government's multi-billion-rupee scheme to transform Satna district into a 'Smart City' remains confined solely to paper. The funds allocated under the banner of the 'Smart City' project have, in the hands of district officials and politicians, effectively turned the city into a 'City of Death.' They care neither for the aesthetic beauty of Satna nor for the welfare of its common citizens; their minds are occupied, day and night, with a singular thought: from where and how much money can they siphon off? The road stretching from the Railway Station to the Kotwali has become a veritable 'trench of death.' For the past two months, as part of the water supply scheme, trenches have been dug right down the middle of the road; in some places, pipes have been laid, while in others, the open trenches have simply been abandoned. It is along this very route that the district and divisional authorities—along with so-called political leaders—commute in their luxury vehicles. Yet, blinded by the 'blinders of banknotes,' they remain oblivious to this deadly trench right before their eyes. Consequently, common citizens frequently fall into these pits and end up in the hospital; yet, those in power remain utterly unconcerned.

Who, Ultimately, Is Responsible?

Under the pretext of beautification or the 'Smart City' initiative, the entire city of Satna is frequently dug up using heavy machinery. Subsequently, everyone—from the contractors to the politicians and officials—falls into a deep slumber akin to that of Kumbhakarna. As a result, common citizens frequently fall into the city's open drains and trenches, often sustaining injuries severe enough to require hospitalization. Yet, despite these incidents, no punitive action is ever taken against the contractors or any of the officials involved. In the face of this persistent negligence, the public raises a unified voice: Who, ultimately, is responsible for the wretched plight of this city? When Will the Public Receive Smart City Amenities?
On paper, the city of Satna has been designated a "Smart City" for the past three years; however, the stark reality is that the condition of the city today remains—if anything—worse than ever. It is the common citizens of both urban and rural Satna who are bearing the brunt of this situation. To this day, even the dust has not been cleared from the city streets, even as Satna is being recognized as a "Smart City" across all administrative levels—from the district to the state and the central government. The truth is that, under the guise of the "Smart City" initiative, it is only the district's officials and politicians who appear to be thriving—while the "Smart City" itself exists solely on paper. Among the general public, one question continues to persist: When will we finally receive the amenities promised by the Smart City project?