‘We Have Created A Civic Mess...
Whenever you write on the lighter side of life there is always a lot of interest. Life however has a another side too which though important is sometimes not a pleasure to endure or write. One need not have all the aspects of the issue or all the solutions but sometimes you do feel strongly to bring it out for a discussion. Now is one such time.
We all can be justifiably proud of what India has achieved in the 70+ years of its existence. We are more educated, connected, wealthy, do enjoy many of the amenities the world has to offer and yet rank very poorly on the development index! The state of twenty top cities and towns of India will give you an idea as to how far behind we are in terms of ranking on the liveability index. There is haphazard construction, poor roads, shrinking green areas, unhealthy air, overflowing lakes and congestion. We now also have the tag of having 20 spots in the top 30 most polluted cities of the world. We have and continue the process of creating a perfect 'Civic' mess.
Where did we go wrong? Are we even aware as to where we are headed? and; is there any redemption from here...? I am sure these questions have been asked before and the solutions are in the public realm too ... but still not much seems to change. Administrative intent, laxity, corruption and civic attitude are all to blame for this state. Following thoughts come to mind which answer the 'why' which merit discussion;
1. The generation which came after independence and that includes some of us, came into a free country, a country with a billion dreams but also mired in poverty and mediocrity. For all of us there was a burning desire to educate ourselves out of the morass, earn money & secure ourselves. The western model as well as the way of life provided a role model and we followed that. In our quest some of our idealism was left behind to aquire status, money and ofcourse power. Quality of life though important was made subservient to the objectives of money and power. The cities apparently developed with all the latest amenities but were congested with very poor environmental checks and poor air to breathe. The Government which is borne from the public allowed its civic attitude and policies to be lax to exchange high quality of living index for more economic power. The resultant mess is now for all to see. What were we thinking when we let go of the liveability ideal...?
2. The second thought is that we as Indians have a very poor civic record and that attitude has not changed over the years. They by religious or hygiene factors will bathe few times a day, have their houses cleaned every day and yet will throw garbage on the streets. They will deface, misuse and pilfer public property as a habit even as they demand greater conveniences. With the burgeoning population this attitude is huge problem for any kind of civic betterment. For attitudes to change education and education focussed on civic issues is the only panacea! This to make a difference has to be done at a very young age and that really means an action today will probably benefit our future progeny. Why did we ignore this basic necessity..?
These questions do trouble you but you cannot roll back the clock.Our country needs to get into the next phase of our development and for that a change of attitude is key. Blaming administrative incompetency is not enough. A country which is a part of the oldest human civilisation and has taught the world how to live in a planned manner should not have to live in unplanned developments and in a 'Civic' mess. We need education, awareness, the best public policy, the intent to deliver as much as administrative efficiency for implementation.
We are responsible for our actions and our choices! We need a change there rather than put all the blame outside.
Hopefully soon, as only then we can see the new 'Civic Dawn'.
Stay safe and Secure! ‘
