Itanagar recently prepared for a 36-hour bandh called by a prominent students' union from August 12 to 13.

Although the bandh was called off at the last minute on August 11, the event has sparked a discussion about the hidden costs of such shutdowns—costs that go beyond money and affect daily life.

Bandhs are not new to Arunachal, nor are the economic impacts they cause. When a city like Itanagar shuts down, businesses close, buses and autos stop running, and everyday life comes to a halt.

For small business owners and daily wage earners, a bandh isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a day without income.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) estimates that India loses Rs 12,500 crore every day due to bandhs and strikes. While Itanagar’s economy is smaller, the impact on people’s lives is significant.

One resident, speaking anonymously, shared how he prepared for the bandh by buying groceries and vegetables to last a week, even though it was raining quite hard.

"The groceries will last a few days, but not everyone can afford to buy ahead like this," he said, pointing out how bandhs affect people differently based on their financial situation.

Another person had to move his brother to neighbouring Assam for medical care just before the bandh.

"It would have been difficult for my family to travel during the bandh. Though exceptions are made for medical emergencies, the process is tough, as we’ve seen in the past he said."

In the days leading up to the proposed bandh on August 12-13, the Arunachal Pradesh government also had to take steps to maintain law and order.

They called in senior police officers and personnel and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed across the state to the capital, ready to respond to any problems.

According to a data provided by our sources, the government reportedly spent about Rs 1.75 crore just on these preparations—money that could have been better used for public services, infrastructure projects, or education.

The breakup as provided by our source:

1) Petrol, oil and lubricants (POL) for vehicles: Approximately Rs 33.48.631

2) Maintenance of camps: Approximately Rs 2,17,838

3) Travel allowance for 4,000 security personnel: Approximately Rs 1,40.00.000

This figure underscores not only the direct financial burden but also the disruption caused to normal government functions across various districts and economic activities in the region.

But the impact of bandhs goes beyond financial loss. Imagine someone needing medical attention but being unable to get it because local transport, used by more than half the population of the Capital, is shut down.

Hospitals operate with fewer staff, and essential services are disrupted. Schools close, and children lose valuable time in class, especially in remote areas where education is already limited.

The fear and uncertainty that come with a bandh also create stress and anxiety for everyone and the state's history of bandhs has often been marked by unrest.

The recent bandh call in Itanagar, though avoided, reminds us that the right to protest comes with responsibility.

Civil society organizations, political groups must carefully consider how they protest. The real cost of a bandh is felt by the very people these groups aim to help, and it goes beyond money—it’s about lives disrupted, opportunities lost, and trust damaged.

In a state like Arunachal, where progress is hard-earned, bandhs can set back entire communities. The resources spent on preparing for such events could be better used for building infrastructure, improving healthcare, and enhancing education.

There is a need for civil bodies and student unions to find other ways to voice their concerns—ways that don’t harm the future they want to improve. Constructive dialogue, legal methods, and democratic processes offer better ways to address issues.

As Itanagar moves forward from these recent events, it’s time for everyone—civil society, government, and the public—to find less disruptive ways to deal with problems.

The true cost of a bandh isn’t just in money; it’s in opportunities that are lost for a better future. (Source: NewsFy)