Causes and Cures for Corruption in Government
This article was first published in the print edition of Manushi Journal. (Issue-100, May-Jun 1997)
When I moved to my present flat in Lajpat Nagar, I was distressed to find that the central square in my block,
originally designated as a park, was being used as a garbage dump. Many people from a neighbouring slum would even come and defecate in it. The tap supposedly meant for watering the non-existent garden in the supposed park had a broken faucet. The water gushed out intermittently all day, leaving huge pools of stagnant water. Stray cows came to quench their thirst and rest in the puddles. In the morning several poor labourers from the vicinity used this bountiful flow of water as an open air bathing place. The whole place stank and in certain seasons be- came a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Several residents complained to local municipal authorities against this abuse of our public space, but to no avail. Finally, some residents decided to take the matter into their own hands and develop the area into a proper park using their own collective resources and initiative. Within no time thou- sands of rupees were collected as an initial fund. Each family subsequently paid Rs 30-50 per month. A few residents did not cooperate and refused to pay. But on the whole, the enthusiasm level was high. We hired a private maali, bought a pump for our own regular supply of water, and a lot of plants. We simply took charge of the upkeep of the park…