Littering is an expression of people’s disconnect with Delhi

An actress, Singh made her mark with the movie Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi. Why would people behave in an uncivil manner in public if they knew the authorities were trying to provide them the best infrastructure possible?

An actress, Singh made her mark with the movie

HT Image

Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi

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Why would people behave in an uncivil manner in public if they knew the authorities were trying to provide them the best infrastructure possible?

I think the kind of crude behaviour we are talking about — littering, for instance — is a manifestation of the frustration and the oppression that the people of this city feel.

People want to retaliate, and this lack of public etiquette becomes their escape valve.

When people travel abroad, they have to abide by that country’s rules and regulations. However, as soon as they get back to India, one of their first expressions of being a citizen of this democratic republic is to relieve themselves on the road, or litter.

This perverse attitude that makes people feel good when they break rules needs to change.

At present, nobody seems to take pride in their city, or in their work. Everybody just seems to be stuck there, unhappy.

This ‘chalta hai’ attitude is something that people have inherited from the authorities and the politicians, who keep putting off infrastructural development due to the same attitude.

It’s not surprising that the Home Minister and the government in general have expressed concern about Delhi’s ability to play host during next year’s Commonwealth Games, but the point is: what were they doing all this while?

They should have thought of improving Delhi’s infrastructure long ago — much before they went bidding to host the Commonwealth Games.

The ministers, the Games Committee and the other authorities should learn how to go about the business of organising a world-class event from the organising bodies of other nations before they even think of ‘inspiring’ the residents of Delhi to behave.