DISPUTE OVER ‘I LOVE SHAHPURN SELFIE POINT

DISPUTE OVER ‘I LOVE SHAHPURN SELFIE POINT

7-NOV-ENG 9

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------A serious and prolonged debate has emerged within the Shahpur Nagar Panchayat following the installation of an “I Love Shahpur” selfie point—a piece of signage—funded by the municipal body. While some argue that this initiative, promoted via social media, aims to project a positive image of Shahpur and attract the youth, many ordinary citizens believe that public funds—derived from the hard-earned money and taxes of the people—should instead be invested in improving the town’s basic infrastructure. The genuine needs of the Shahpur Nagar Panchayat include better roads, clean drinking water, efficient waste management, functional street lighting, and solutions to waterlogging. Prioritizing the installation of flashy, colorful lights and a selfie point—at a cost of lakhs of rupees—while neglecting these essential requirements cannot be justified.

Former Shahpur Nagar Panchayat Chairman Bijay Kumar noted that a similar sign was first introduced in the town by a tea vendor in Ward No. 8 (in the eastern part of the Nagar Panchayat) along National Highway 84 to attract customers. Such lighting installations have a short lifespan and tend to break down quickly; in many other towns across the state, similar signs and lights are currently in a state of disrepair. Consequently, installing them in Shahpur does not reflect an innovative vision, but rather appears to be a cheap imitation—one that threatens to obscure Shahpur’s own unique, ancient cultural, and historical identity.

Social activist Azad Gupta pointed out that a lack of maintenance has been a major failing of such projects. It is often observed that while these signs and structures are installed with great enthusiasm, the absence of proper upkeep causes them to fall into disrepair within just a few months—lights burn out, components break, and instead of enhancing the town’s beauty, they end up becoming an eyesore. In Shahpur, when a street light broke down shortly after installation, the Chief Councilor reacted sharply on social media, alleging that this was an act of malice driven by jealousy toward the town's development. This incident reportedly escalated tensions.

Meanwhile, local residents point out that risks concerning traffic and public safety are equally concerning. 'Selfie points' have been set up near busy roads, creating a real danger of accidents as people stop to take photos. In this era of social media, this appears to be nothing more than a cheap attempt at 'city branding'—a way to gain free publicity by encouraging people to post photos on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

Social activist Vinay Mishra suggested that if the Shahpur Nagar Panchayat has a budget for development, it should be invested in creating monuments, parks, or public murals that showcase the town’s ancient art and culture, rather than spending it on plastic or fiberboard installations. Such an approach would not only highlight Shahpur’s authentic historical identity but also create employment opportunities for local artists.

Furthermore, several intellectuals in the town have urged the Chief Councilor of the Nagar Panchayat to first acquaint herself with Shahpur’s glorious, ancient history. They suggest that she study the works of the town’s renowned writers and poets—such as Ram Dayal Pandey and Avinash Chandra Vidyarthi—to gain a deeper understanding of its rich artistic and cultural heritage. It is expected that the Chief Councilor will recognize the true essence of Shahpur and formulate a comprehensive development plan that aligns with its unique character.