What Delhi needs most is what we can best say, ease in living, which has deteriorated rapidly in the last decade. Whatever be the reason, the bigger narrative that has played out, is a blame game between warring halves, as Delhi has never been given full statehood. So, between an obliging LG, determined to cast his net across what has been prescribed domains for him, has not let a stone unturned to assert his right. And why should he not? As he has, as per directions set by none other than the Hon’ble Supreme Court itself. The state government, or better called the local government, has found its writ cut into half, with the entire bureaucracy tracing its allegiance to its parent service, the civil services, which are controlled by the centre. Therefore, they are obliged to do the bidding that suits the central dispensation best. That may well be an over simplification, but that’s where this part of the story rests.
So, how does this new order ensure better ‘ease in living’ and what does this constitute? Well, almost the entire civil amenities as a combined entity. Traffic increases unabated but it is not the numbers but lack of civic sense. Rule of following lanes, not creating multiple lanes at crossings, basic rules off sticking to your lane. Crossing red lights at will, driving on the wrong side, on pavements meant for walking, just about doing whatever is convenient. How do we instill this basic common sense? By increasing our vigil, by penalizing on the spot, imposing hefty fines, that can eventually lead to impounding vehicles or calling back the driving license. But before doing this, carrying out a reality check on better management of traffic, bringing effective and multiple CCTVs – it’s a mammoth task, but begin we must, starting with select roads in different parts of the city. It’s a heavy hand that we need, combined with an awareness campaign of what is basic civic sense.
Pedestrian movement has been strangulated over time. Ever since we built the flyovers. One of the first and best showpieces of South Delhi must be the AIIMS crossing. When this got built, by none other than the Shiela Dikshit government, effectively, it finished any path to cross from one side of the flyover to another. So much concern for the common man! Over the years, inspite of repeated claims by successive governments, the pedestrian has been marginalized increasingly, ensuring that the walker must necessarily be forced to become the jay-walker. Effectively, in bringing out changes and improvements now, we need to ensure that the common man can walk without having to wade through pathways that often appear and then disappear, that are broken down, with loose hanging electric wires, garbage heaps on the side. Make every pedestrian count, he too voted for this government. In fact, his number must have been more than that of the car owners. It must become a pedestrian led city. Cut one extra lane from the road, give it to pedestrians. Let autos be given only two lanes, and traffic should be so regulated that even two lanes are adequate. Given the present unruly mobs, every extra lane given is an invitation to additional chaos.
Improve street lighting. Every street has dark spots, making life after dark risky. And, progressively, this is getting worse. In between you will encounter parked vehicles, including discarded ones that are rotting and nobody is removing them, the city looks unsafe after hours.
Improve policing. Both in terms of manpower deployment, as it is always re-assuring to see a cop standing by, but also in terms of technology backed surveillance. As this is a central subject, a hefty one-time grant from the central Home Ministry to augment policing in the capital will be a most welcome step in this direction.
Avoid fancy streetscaping. Not everyone is for fancy tulip gardens, howsoever pretty they look and for all the opportunities they throw up for photo-ops and selfies. These are costly experiments, ill-suited for our city’s long-term needs. These funds can be better deployed in more sustainable infrastructure and beautification that lasts for years. Use materials for pavements like stone and not fancy materials. Take help from city planners outside of the government staff, in an honest interface seeking fresh ideas. Make such decisions transparent, make every informed citizen part of the city that we all love to preserve and make it grow.
Stay Clean, Stay Healthy. In numerous parts of the city, you will find heaps of garbage piled up. They are there, every nook and corner. Under many of the flyovers only garbage has piled up. In some cases, co-existing with advertising banners promoting arts and heritage, none too pleasant a sight for any passerby. It is general apathy; you notice it, accept it as part of the city or its adopted culture. Who will fault whom? The city planner in not providing adequate number of garbage bins, big enough not to overflow the next day. Placed at close distances to make it easy for walkers to find one close by. And, making the government staff on duty responsible.
Hit the Roads. Delhi cannot be run by clearing files on desks in tony offices and bunglows. It is time that Delhi should be run by people who discover these travails themselves, who walk these pathways, who often drive themselves to see how the road signages don’t work or don’t exist. Being driven with a red batti on the roof, in claiming privilege on the road, will never let even the most well intentioned babu understand how difficult it is to ensure you are on the right road. Nothing like experiencing it yourself.
Invoke Best Practices in public-private partnerships. The best route could well be to explore equitable partnerships between the city government agencies, like the DDA, MCD and others to work with RWAs. Every pocket in the city has an active RWA, some more than the others. Many of them have funds, as well. These can be empowered with financial support, to become more responsible. Give the last word to them. With adequate checks and balances, this can make every citizen involved in keeping the city clean, healthy and desirable.