Let us be more proactive to improve quality of life

This picture has been used for representational purpose. Pic/iStock

The replica of an Indian warship is soon to be installed at a South Mumbai location as a tribute to the warrior of the seas. The smaller sized replica will, one is sure, take pride of place at a traffic island. Currently, the site is being prepared to welcome its guest.

The larger picture is about how locals have also become part of the project, playing an active role in seeing that this comes to fruition, liaising with the local leaders.

It is good to see similar activism and dynamism by residents of other areas, to bring about change or a facelift in their areas too. This is not to say that only this particular area locals work towards that.

Yet, across the city, we see ordinary people keeping away or complaining about problems, but not getting involved in community projects that can enhance conditions all around.

It is certainly not easy to change one's living environment or see some kind of civic endeavour to fruition. There are letters to be written, local leaders to contact, rigmarole for permissions and numerous other frustrations and obstacles. Yet, if we collectively work towards a clean-up, or even see through small, may-seem-insignificant but important projects, press our corporators and the municipal authorities to get things done, we prove that we also have a stake and say in changing our city, improving our living conditions.

We have citizens using social media to highlight issues, criticise or complain. While that may be one part, the other is doing the hard yards, the groundwork and running around needed to battle the red tape, delays, etc. that are unfortunately the reality here. With more people proactive, less politicking within and shunning an attitude of let us leave it to the others, we can give our immediate environs a facelift that has a direct impact on our quality of life.