- The ruling dispensation at the Centre would want us to believe that India is on the path to becoming one of the most advanced nations in the world. It sounds incredibly fulfilling as a sense of pride pervades us to contemplate what it would be like to live in a country with every aspect of the modern world, like luxury living standards, top-notch amenities, efficient law & order, and sensitive administration always having an ear for the needs of the citizens, made available to us. A dream living. If these dream-like expectations are really made available, why would anybody even contemplate not making a move to set up dwellings in urban areas? An aspirational society like India would not wish to be left behind, having access to all the riches mentioned above.
PC: BBC
- However, the fact of the matter is, even though we have made enormous progress over the decades on the back of ushering in reforms enabling us not to be left behind with the perpetual inventions of modern amenities in so many spheres, the metro cities continue to be bursting at the seams for want of an efficient civic agency is an absolute matter of concern. While most of the cities are crumbling vis-à-vis inadequate infrastructure to support the burgeoning urban dwellings, the administration is lacking the will and means to provide basic amenities is becoming increasingly obvious. Lack of clean air, courtesy of unbridled pollution, pothole-filled roads, inadequate supply of potable water, corruption, and general apathy is widely prevalent.
PC: Mint
- As honest tax-paying citizens, the least we expect is for commuter-friendly roads without potholes/craters, less-polluted air, clean drinking water, and responsive law enforcement agencies to ensure we are not troubled much in carrying out our daily chores. Unfortunately, what is on offer in every major metro city in India is a sheer lack of concern on the part of the elected representatives to earnestly ensure citizens are not inconvenienced whilst seeking basic requirements. Here, the monsoon season is always looked forward to with great anticipation to seek relief from the gruelling summer heat. Yet, the monsoon rain only adds to the frustration of city dwellers when the choked stormwater drains stall the snail movement itself.
PC: PC: The Indian Express
- One rain is what it takes to bring the city to its knees, further exacerbating the sufferings of the commuters already battling traffic snarls, lack of commutable roads, and increasing civic apathy of the agencies tasked to maintain the amenities. Insensitivity, irresponsibility, and irreverence to the general good of the public stand starkly exposed when the government authorities/officials remain immune from acting in good faith. Mere lip service and assuring statements are par for the course measures, yielding very little in terms of action on the ground. It’s a regular occurrence. The bane of corruption permeates every public office is stating the obvious. When will common citizens find relief from these crippling infrastructural woes? Being hopeful is not a sin. Period.
