The signs are already there. Writing is on the wall for everyone to see. It is just that what we do, what our politicians do is more & more significant henceforth.
Last Monday it rained heavily in Pune. In a day downpour was measured 183 mm, which is actually a record - highest one day rains ever in Pune. There are instances of cloud burst in as far area as Leh and as close as Nanded in Marathwada region. Yamuna swelled so much that New Delhi and Commonwealth Games preparation were in danger a few days back.
Scientists and people who study environment say there could be more such natural events, this day and time forward.
The encroachments on places of natural flow of water in city areas are ever increasing. There is construction on places where once small rivers & ravines were flowing. Builders in Pune are crazy and money minded to the extreme.
Consequence was devastating! Water logging, fall of trees, electricity cut & destruction.
Our urban planning and construction need a major overhaul. There is something very wrong. It takes just a spell of 3-4 hours of heavy rains and entire city comes to standstill, not only Pune but almost every major city in India. The drainage systems are age old and need improvements urgently.
It is as if rains are warning us!
As common citizen I feel we should form groups to coerce civic authorities to abide by laws & to act and deliver results fast. Media could play effective role of watchdog.
