Lets Save the Planet as we Save the Tiger

Can FACEBOOK save the INDIAN TIGER? Headlines on Sunday Times Life of 17^th June 2012.

Animals have as much right to the Planet as we do. I was able to pick this image while surfing the Net. Is it possible to connect the Green spots so that they too (the animals) have a right of way. We need to Think of ways we can all live together as God’s creation.

Recurring Scams

Civic body pays inflated bills in spite of recurring scams.pg 3,TOI dated 15th June 2012
The better way for us to rid society of this scourge is for all Public Expenditure to be in Public Domain. Prior to spending, Proposals have to be placed on a well publicised link of the BMC website for all to view the Tender documents. Any Incorrect Specifications can be corrected by experts in the field as a public response again viewed by all. The rates at which bids are received and approved by concerned officials are all for Public view. This one act will ensure Accountability and save Millions being Siphoned by Corrupt Officials under various pretexts.

Maximise for whom...........

Economic Times page 7 dated 12th June 2012

EGoM may not cut Reserve Price: Panel has added a new clause stating that the objective of sale will be to 'Maximise Revenue Proceeds'. This is absolutely wrong. By ensuring the Floor price of Spectrum is Low, communication rates are low which has a Cascading and Positive effect. Good Tele-communications ensure one need not physically travel to get the message across. This reduces fuel consumption. Also low call rates in cellular calls benefit all Indians, which is the primary prupose of Good governance.

TO MARKET,... to market..........

Build Markets in areas where the population cross a benchmark. Shift the Hawkers to the Market place on a first come basis. Make rates for Hawking on the streets double that you charge for similar space in the market.

Make it a rule that Hawking is possible only from Standard Mobile Carts. No one is permitted to lay their wares on the road or build stalls. Also hawking is permitted only on one side of the road. The other path is free for pedestrians. Those wanting to buy goods will need to walk the vending stretch. This single measure will ensure quick flow of those who do not wish to get caught in the melee'. Provision should also be made to ensure the allotted member alone stands at the stall at the appointed hour for dispensing of goods. His details and photograph should be prominently displayed. No person other than the allotted should be permitted to sell the wares. This will prevent stall capturing. In allotting stalls priority should be given to a single member in a family.  

In making Mumbai, a better place to live in, have a concerted drive in a given area. Once the area is cleared, get the local politicians, the municipal officers, the local residents, the local police and others involved in a handing over ceremony. It is now for them to maintain the place. Currently Hawkers are cleared in the morning and by afternoon it is business as usual.

A team of Designers, to be involved to design carts of dimension, that hold goods and enable a family of four survive. The design of stall for consideration being aesthetics, simplification and standardization. Once approved, No other structures permitted to sell wares on the street.  

Water........wateR.........everywhere..........

While roads are being redone, regret not much attention is being paid to the drainage system. Drainage is an important feature in determining the ability of given pavement to withstand the effects of a downpour. While planning and executing the work the contractor shall take all adequate precautions to keep the road free from water. Even though many roads are of poor conditions due to different reasons, poor drainage is one of

them. Currently with the VAG-Metro work in progress, I notice between Kohinoor Hotel at J B Nagar and Marol Naka, there are not many egress points. Drainage - the disposal of excess water during monsoon - seems lacking. The storm water flow can be estimated by CIA where C is the Coefficient of runoff, I is the rainfall Intensity and A is the catchment Area. Storm water could be used as a source of recharge for ground water. Currently due to an absence of strategy storm water follows drains that are not specified for them or overflows the drains there by causing soil erosion. On the other hand, some of the storm water are stagnant in the drains there by becoming a breeding place for mosquitoes. This could result in increase of malaria and water related disease in the vicinity. All this is because the government has not understood the importance of drainage system and the role it plays in socioeconomic development. One of the first things to learn is that ‘water is your enemy,’ because there are so many ways that water can ruin or destroy home and property. One needs to pay attention to any and all drainage issues. And, it’s also crucial that drainage systems be properly maintained.    Proper surface and subsurface drainage to remove excess water in a safe and timely manner plays an important role in controlling soil erosion and water related diseases. Careful control and appropriate reuse of drainage water can help protect the environment and optimize the use of water resources.

Ban RED

We need a strong and concentrated campaign to curb Paan spitting.Banners must be up, with graphics reminding people of the anti-social nature of Paan spitting, as well as the introduction of Rs 500/- on-the-spot fines for those caught doing it. Paan chewing maybe a tradition which we will not stop. We frame a law to ban spitting anywhere in public. When it is spat out, it leaves red marks on pavements that are difficult to clear. The punishment is to have the spitter clean the spot and pay the fine. "It's not only costing a lot of money to clean it all up, but is very anti-social. People need to know that it isn't ok anymore.  We need our municipal staff to get involved patrolling the area with the local police to resolve this issue. Concerned about the way in which the spit from Paan is all over the pavements and the streets. I think some people who spit Paan do not realize they are being anti-social, while some think it's fashionable and acceptable to spit in the street.

Children of the Dark

The street was clean and clear of all garbage. When dawn broke, a band of gypsies had descended on the lone street, pitching their tent, a little away from the drain which was used the days ahead for all ablutions. Toileting all over was a band of unruly children, carefree of worldly worries, no schooling just begging. The street was their oyster. Women who arrived seemingly single exposed to the vagaries of the night, were now expectant mothers.

Can we have a Law that makes it the responsibility of the local police under whose jurisdiction this street happens to ensure no one arrives from nowhere, and makes the street their home. They just need to be sent to the nearest beggar’s home. The men & women have to be skilled during their stay at the home based on their inclinations, and converted to useful members of society. Once skilled they have to be asked to return to their place of birth/origin and begin life anew. Else the City will forever be an overgrown slum, inviting more children to the dark.