The term Smart city might look alluring to many but as the civic authorities of Allahabad continue to sleep, the citizens have formed organisations, forums and societies which will definitely bring about a positive change in our city.
When the idea of turning the town of Allahabad into a smart city became a part of news and media, the idea received mixed reactions from residents of Allahabad. Many former residents of Allahabad commented, reacted, tweeted expressing their concern or happiness over the idea.
As a part of an educational institution, I personally witnessed a drastic change in the daily scenario. The idea of smart city quickly turned into a burning topic of discussions and debates amongst students and faculty members as well. During a cultural event, students came up with valid points speaking against or for the topic during a debate competition. Listening to them, the idea of seeing the city I had fallen in love with years back in a new dimension, I was definitely spoilt for choice. But the socialist within me made me choose a side which seems reasonable enough. A nation where farmers are committing suicide, children not only in village but in cities are unable to reach schools and other social and developmental issues, definitely has a lot on its platter to reform and develop.
A few months back when a group of three women conceived the idea of an organisation (Sanchaari Allahabad) to revive the cultural aspect of the city, we came across many other organisations that were relentlessly working towards bringing back the lost glory of the city. Organisations like Allahabad Heritage Society, Swayam Sandhan, Allahabad Nostalgia and Company Bagh, were involving the people of the city to bring about a relevant change in the current status of the city. But what really surprised, rather shocked me was that the authorities/ organisations which actually draw hefty sums of money and are responsible for the work, were completely out of the scene.
Recently many members of different organisations came together to form a forum (Allahabad Citizen’s forum), in order to show our solidarity and work towards one goal i.e. to make our Allahabad a beautiful reflection of the past, but at the same bring about a reasonable change in the environment and ambience of the city.
In order to bring forth the work we the citizens of Allahabad are involved with, I would like to share a few excerpts with the readers from a conversation that took place earlier this week on our Whatsapp group. Also, a lot of work is being done with the help of social media as it helps us to engage a larger audience.
Venita Banerjee , a member of Allahabad Nostalgia, one of the most inspiring and active member
“In the very first round of work, we should aim at starting with a cleanliness and awareness drive. We can choose 2-4 areas in Allahabad and work on each area for a span of one month each. Garbage and waste management training can be given to the residents of the place, which will ensure proper division of waste. As a team we need to check, supervise, motivate and educate. We can do it!”
Puneet Kumar Malviya
“The change is us and all of us should first begin with ensuring we park our vehicles correctly, follow the traffic light, not litter the roads and not allow minors in our family to drive a two wheeler, I believe the change would soon be seen.
Ajay Madhyan
“We should be a part of being the solution, let us ACT and create a movement across the city”
Vibha Singh , founder of Swayam Sandhan
“The organisation has collaborated with a private firm Hari Bhari and formulated a plan of action for the next three months. We need to act as a pressure group and make sure that the authorities are shaken from their slumber before it’s too late”
Samina Naqvi, vice president, Sanchaari Allahabad
“Civic amenities are our right; we should focus on planning out things in a way which will make this project an ongoing process. Meeting the concerned authorities building up pressure and coaxing the locals out of their comfort zones should be an essential part of our action plan.
Akshat Lal Srivastava, founder, Allahabad Heritage Society
“Our society aims at conserving the rich cultural and historical heritage of our city, along with preserving the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb of the city. The active involvement of Allahabadis will help us go a long way in bringing substantial changes in the city”
After the discussion held by members of various organisations, the forum has decided to decide on a date and have the first event which will mainly be an awareness drive on cleanliness, waste management and traffic rules. The organisations Swayam Sandhan, Sanchaari Allahabad, Allahabad Heritage Society, Compang Bagh and Allahabad Nostalgia have relentlessly worked and organised events in the city in order to educate, motivate and bring the locals together for a cause close to the hearts of all.
As a member of Sanchaari Allahabad, I feel together we can and we will. The organisation has opened varied perspectives and helped me evolve as an individual. I would like to end my blog with the lines of a man who continues to inspire us with his poetic wisdom decades after decades…
असफलता एक चुनौती है, इसे स्वीकार करो,
क्या कमी रह गई, देखो और सुधार करो।
जब तक न सफल हो, नींद चैन को त्यागो तुम,
संघर्ष का मैदान छोड़ कर मत भागो तुम।
कुछ किये बिना ही जय जय कार नहीं होती,
कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती।
– हरिवंशराय बच्चन
