City’s aesthetics needs good infra to support it

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A tree house is coming up near the Bandra Fort very soon. This tree house, an exciting prospect, has a completion deadline of six months from inception, excluding the monsoon season. A report said that the BMC will award a construction and maintenance contract for two years.

This is uplifting news as it adds a new dimension to various beautification projects that are ongoing across the city. This paper has documented these projects regularly, from wall painting to re-imagined routes that bring an aesthetic feel to the megapolis.

The feel-good factor is at a high, there is a recognition that these efforts are a morale booster, besides of course improving the look of the city.

However, it is vital that close attention is paid to basics. Better pavements so that injuries are fewer and chances of tripping and falling diminish, are a crying need. We want crossings painted regularly for better visibility. Regular cleaning of roads and footpaths, especially when construction is on, is the need of the hour. Quick clearance of debris, post work, is imperative as we see street corners at times near sites strewn with material that can pose a hazard while trying to negotiate the stretch.

General civic infrastructure like toilets, we have reported several toilet blocks that have been opened for the public, should be more accessible. Factoring in the disabled when re-making pavements that could have gentle gradients at corners for wheelchairs means a more inclusive
society for all.

Good lighting in parts spells safety and better visibility. Clearing out encroachments should be priority. The better way is not to allow them at first, so that the second action becomes unnecessary.

Strengthen the base of the pyramid and then build on it with beautification initiatives.