The Urban Scene Needs Cleansing. But is it Absolutely Essential?

Abstract

A distinct feature of human evolution is the settlement pattern. It stands testimony to progress, especially, the urban settlement. At present, globalization is what has drastically changed the face of our urban settlements. Communication has become easier, competition in the market has increased, employment demand and commute has escalated, not to mention the ever increasing pressure on urban infrastructure. All this has had direct impact on the urban aesthetics and if we stop and observe awhile, we can definitely say the picture is not a pretty one.

India is a developing country, gradually making her way to emerge as a Superpower. In the last sixty-odd years, we have come a long way from telegraph poles to cell phone towers on buildings. Palatial bungalows made way for high vertical housing, densely built. The rivers now resemble a steady flow of toxic fluid with filth on the banks. Tree lined avenues have disappeared with traffic clogged roads in their place. The cityline is not picturesque anymore with unsightly banners and neon lights marring the view.

While proposals keep coming for beautification of urban elements, every step taken in this area will cost the Government a fortune as is seen in the Ganges riverbank beautification in Kolkata. The pilot project is to cost the State Tourism department an estimated Rs.36 crore. (Bhaskar, 2011) For a country with a teeming population with 25% of its population still below poverty line, the question arises whether it is important to prioritize aesthetics over providing the basic amenities to the population. The need of the hour is development over aesthetics. For a country like India which wishes to progress while learning from her past, improving aesthetics drastically is not a simple task. It involves conservation of past monuments, glory and sentiments while gradually introducing the new age. This will require time, effort towards this sector and money, neither of which the country can afford to spend on when there are millions of mouths to be fed and job opportunities to be provided. Therefore, one should take a gradual approach to rectifying the urban scenery as this will be beneficial for progress and development which is highly essential for the country at the moment.