I know a lot of people in India get their knickers in a twist when one points out the gaps in urban governance, but I often wonder: don't we all want a cleaner, better and more liveable environment for ourselves and our loved ones?
Not everything is criticism, and certainly not everything is an attempt to mock India. Sometimes, people point things out simply because they care and would like to see things work a little better. Delhi is my temporary home for the foreseeable future, and I genuinely think this city has the potential to be one of the most endearing places in the world if it gets its urban governance right. It already has so much going for it –history, culture, magnificent monuments, fantastic food and, importantly, the resources.
Anyway, since I can't unsee things that stick out, so here's what I spotted in my 'hood over the weekend, along the stretch from HK Village towards Green Park:
➡️ A perfectly good sidewalk has been encroached upon and now serves as the residential digs as well as an open-air laundromat.
➡️ Road repairs inspired by the Fibonacci sequence.
➡️ Garbage spilling onto the street around the collection centre.
None of these things is particularly difficult to fix and a little bit of civic housekeeping can make an enormous difference to how a city feels and functions. If you're going to call a place home, even temporarily, surely it's fair to want it to be a little cleaner, better managed and more pleasant for everyone who lives here.
Now, I wait for the barbs and pitchforks, which I shall swiftly ignore :)
🇮🇳 19-0 🇵🇰
India’s women’s team has made history by beating Pakistan 19-0, a record margin in the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2026 🇮🇳🔥
Indian women's reached the semi-finals, while Pakistan go home empty handed once again 👏🏻
Another day, another humiliation for Pakistan 🤪
Absolutely delicious! The dosa was perfectly crispy, golden, & full of flavour, with a soft and flavorful centre. The sambar & chutney complemented it beautifully. Easily one of the best dosas I’ve ever had—fresh, authentic, and absolutely satisfying!”
#Bangalore
India’s growth momentum continues to go strong!
The impressive GDP growth of 7.8% during Q1 of FY 2026-27 showcases how decisive leadership, a reforms - driven approach and sustained public investments have steered the Indian economy forward amidst global uncertainties.
@Fairsquare00 After going through all this , one finds it difficult to decide where to eat. Many of these places appear to be poorly managed, and there seem to be recurring concerns about cleanliness and hygiene.
There’s a food store in Green Park that sells fresh paneer, displayed in an open container with flies hovering around it, not to mention the dust that settles on it. I pointed this out to the shop fellow, only to be met with bewildered looks from him and the customers, as though I’d committed some great social faux pas by mentioning it.
The problem isn’t just the people providing substandard goods and services. Indians happily accept mediocrity. If you keep buying it, you can hardly complain when that’s all you are offered. Demand better. Demand the best, in fact, if you’re willing to pay for it.