Clean drains, involve citizens and stop blame game

Constructive civic collaboration

Political leaders from different parties should focus on a constructive approach rather than protesting and blaming each other. To resolve civic issues effectively, leaders must engage with the community and regularly interact with voters to understand their problems and concerns. Organising public forums to discuss local issues and gather feedback can be highly beneficial. Collaborating with experts, NGOs and community organisations can help in developing effective solutions. Collecting real-time data is vital for formulating sustainable policies. It’s also essential to prioritise pressing civic issues that need immediate attention. Regular monitoring of the progress of initiatives and making necessary adjustments is advisable. Adequate allocation of resources, including funding and personnel, is necessary to tackle civic challenges. Partnering with local organisations, businesses and community groups can enhance resource utilisation and bring in specialised expertise. Additionally, the use of electronic and social media should be encouraged to keep voters informed about the progress of initiatives and government decisions. Collaboration with leaders from other parties, especially Members of Parliament (MPs), is also proposed to establish a common platform and work towards shared goals.

Dr Kulwant Singh Phull

Regular drainage maintenance must

This year’s monsoon has caused a surge in rainwater, resulting in a severe accumulation of debris and blockages in the city’s sewer systems. The situation is deteriorating rapidly and requires immediate intervention. However, the government continues to ignore these urgent issues, seemingly prioritising political interests over public welfare. While parties are preoccupied with defending their political positions, they overlook the real problems affecting the city’s residents. Immediate steps must include proper sewer cleaning through regular sanitation drives. To combat mosquito breeding, regular application of anti-mosquito sprays is essential. Proactive efforts must be made to eliminate stagnant water, which provides ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Thorough spraying and vigilant monitoring can significantly reduce mosquito populations during this severe monsoon. Ideally, the major drainage systems of the city should be cleaned on a monthly basis. Furthermore, large-scale rainwater harvesting projects should be initiated in villages and farmlands to utilise excess rainwater productively. These actions are the responsibility of the government. Citizens must hold their elected representatives accountable and demand immediate action. If demands are ignored and the situation worsens, citizens should file RTIs to investigate potential misuse of public funds. Volunteer-led street and water clean-up drives should be encouraged and financially supported by the administration. These efforts are crucial to ensuring a safe and healthy monsoon season.

Lakshit Jindal

Jalandhar’s steady civic decline

Civic administration in Jalandhar has been deteriorating for years and now appears to be on the brink of collapse. Neither the state government nor major political parties seem genuinely interested in halting this decline or restoring the city to its former glory—once regarded as the most beautiful city in Punjab. Major civic issues such as overflowing sewerage, inadequate cleanliness and waste management, waterlogging during rains, poor road maintenance, chaotic traffic, stray animals, malfunctioning street lights, dwindling green cover, rising pollution and garbage burning remain unresolved despite repeated public complaints and political assurances. It is most tragic that local leaders from AAP and BJP are focused on settling political scores rather than jointly addressing these issues. They appear more interested in acquiring power and indulging in corrupt practices. Frequent party-switching for personal gain reveals their lack of commitment to public welfare. The people of Jalandhar must reject such selfish politicians in the next election. It is time to form an independent civil society to lead efforts for sustainable regeneration and revival of the city’s civic infrastructure.

Jagdish Chander

Stop party feuds, start urban reform

Political leaders continue to blame one another for the city’s worsening condition, which reflects the government’s failure. Citizens demand real action—not excuses or blame games. Immediate steps must be taken by deploying additional municipal teams to remove garbage, especially from drains and waterlogged areas. Drains must be cleaned immediately to prevent flooding and sewer backups. Repair of outdated drainage systems is essential before the next monsoon. It is the government’s responsibility to penalise officials who fail in garbage and sewer management. Such officials should be dismissed to ensure future accountability and diligence. Instead of engaging in blame games, all party leaders must unite and set a positive example. Citizens also have a role to play and must refrain from throwing plastic and other waste into drains. Lack of preparedness year after year can no longer be justified. Protests should focus on fixing the system and supporting the people—not political grandstanding.

Shashi Kiran

Infra overhaul long overdue

In a democratic setup, the ruling party often boasts of its development efforts, while the opposition highlights public grievances. However, continuous development requires sufficient funding and a sincere effort from all political stakeholders. The problem of waterlogging in many areas of the city is not new. Though the laying of storm sewers was proposed and completed in some areas, the city’s expanding population and growth in all directions have rendered older sewer systems, laid four to five decades ago, inadequate. Immediate plans for parallel sewer lines must be finalised. Similarly, drinking water pipes—over 50 years old—require urgent replacement. It is crucial to ensure that sewage water does not mix with drinking water, as this can lead to serious health risks and waterborne diseases. Despite numerous efforts by municipal corporations, waterlogging in low-lying areas persists during every monsoon. The issue of garbage dumping remains unresolved too. Political leaders from all parties must refrain from controversies and come together for the city’s betterment. Many cities, including ours, are part of the Smart City Project. While the Union Government releases funds for these projects, mayors—regardless of party affiliation—must focus solely on the development and beautification of the city in the public interest.

Rajat Kumar Mohindru

Shared planning, action required

A major restructuring of civic systems and planning is imperative to avoid recurring urban crises, as witnessed this monsoon season. The citizenry—including both politicians and residents—must stop the blame game and work toward constructive solutions. Residents need to be sensitised about the value of sanitation, while the political class must initiate streamlined civic projects. In the face of climate change, delaying reforms will only worsen existing problems. Collaborative planning and swift action can dramatically improve urban living conditions.

Siddharth Chopra

Civic sense begins at home

While politicians share the blame for civic disorder, the responsibility also lies with residents who demonstrate a lack of civic sense daily. From dumping trash on neighbouring plots instead of planting greenery to littering streets with no concern for public bins, even well-educated individuals contribute to the mess. Water bodies are treated as dumping grounds. A massive awareness and behavioural shift among citizens is needed. Only when individuals act responsibly can they hold political leaders accountable for broader civic issues.

Saryu Gupta

Monsoon woes, action required

Residents in many localities have suffered due to water stagnation and flooding during the monsoons. Children have missed school and there has been a spike in snake bites and allergy cases even within urban areas. Such challenges should be treated as civic emergencies. Citizens bear the brunt of prolonged political delays and indecision. If leaders were to truly exercise their political will, transformative progress could be seen overnight. Speedy execution and focused reforms are essential to overhaul the civic landscape of our cities.

Simranjit Kaur

Clean streets, safer cities

Road and civic cleanliness is increasingly intertwined with public safety. Shady, unkempt, garbage-ridden areas are not only avoided by residents but are also more susceptible to criminal activity. For the well-being and security of citizens, these issues must become a top priority. Clean environments, efficient drainage systems, and beautified roadways instil a sense of safety and even promote better mental health among residents. Political parties should unite to solve such pressing issues instead of engaging in blame games.

Suman Malhotra

Jalandhar