As I wrote the title I thought a lot of people might have said the same words. Here are my thoughts. I want to talk about construction habits and maybe something we should do as a society.

Image: Karnataka Tourism. Lalbagh, Bangalore.

Story time:

City: Bangalore, South region

An established layout which was flush with greenery. Few houses and better roads. Now some court case has been settled and a lot of homes are coming up in the neighborhood. Some of my friends live here and I used to visit often. Today when I was entering the layout after 3 months first thing I noticed was a lot of trees have been cut down and remaining ones are covered with dust. Road quality has gone down but I don't think it was just because of the construction.

The layout where when you entered used to feel refreshed, has lost it's magic. What I suggest is a construction company which will not just build your home, but also takes care of your neighborhood. If trees should be cut down, some must be planted with proper care. Those remaining trees must also be looked after like fertilising them, pruning them. In other nations they remove the trees and relocate them, something they call translocation. Follow that if possible.

I know they may build a park with trees and plants after the government decides to build one. That as Indians know require a lot of influence. As things are going in Karnataka, government doesn't have enough money to keep up the existing parks and forests, let alone build more. (Personal opinion and common sense)

There can be simple laws in place and some incentives to companies that follow simple things to take better care of the world. This is not just for the construction companies but for the whole range of industries.

I think there is not a single plan in place when one of pollution, global warming, deforestation, population explosion and decline (At the same time, I know) or any of the many problems gets out of our hands.

As citizens let's do little things like watering not just our compound but some trees outside, controlling our urge to litter (I am Indian and I know) or segregation of domestic waste, better disposal of electronic waste. Follow 3Rs of lifestyle Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Of course be greatful for the place we love and live in. We should change ourself and educate the next generation. But first let me change and set an example to the next person.

But as all plans and ideas to change the world this also require will of the people and good governance which cares about the future generations and not just for the next five years.

My bet is on the people. It's the safest one.

I just googled this quote and as Mr. Lester Brown said,

“We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers; we have borrowed it from our children”.

*Rajat Hegde*

*07/01/2025*