Social responsibility
It had to happen sooner rather than later. Dhaka has achieved its questionable 'goal' as the dirtiest, most difficult and unliveable major city in the world. After being the most corrupt nation 5 years running, did we deserve this as well? Is the government solely responsible for this 'accolade'? Not at all, in a way we all, Dhakabashis, have contributed our mite by our senselessness, insensitiveness, indiscipline, dirty habits and our headlong rush towards easy money.
With the surging prices of land and buildings in Dhaka, all house-owners are undoubtedly very rich. It is to them that this letter is addressed because they are the people who have the means and resources to reverse the trend and make Dhaka liveable once more. With a little civic sense and expenditure of a few thousands, perhaps lakhs (that they can certainly afford), they can transform Dhaka in a very short time. All they have to do is, instead of spending huge sums on unnecessary luxuries, divert a portion of that to improve their own property and ultimately that of Dhaka itself:
1. Clean the drains and footpaths around their houses.
2. Repair the footpaths and the potholes on public roads in front of their houses.
3. Do not allow the footpath/road in front of houses to be used by hawkers,
storage of building materials, garbage and parking of vehicles.
4. Their rooftops and walls can become “green” by installing (a) wind turbines (see Mr. Mansoor's interesting letter in DS, 24 March), (b) solar panels- there are many alternative ways of generating electricity and companies already well versed in the field. (c) harvesting of rainwater millions of gallons of pure water is wasted every rainy day over 4-5 months to clog Dhaka's roads.
Appropriate technology is available and should be encouraged and subsidized. Not only will their electricity, gas and water bills will be reduced but they can get some relief from load-shedding and Wasa's stinking water.
5. Plant fruit/shade/timber trees wherever possible on their land.
6. Desist from buying new cars. Keep present ones in the garage as far as possible, because Dhaka's roads are already choked by the Gas Guzzling Monstrosities. Avoid running empty-half/empty GGMs on the roads. For short journeys, walk or use a rickshaw. Teach your children to do the same. Limit use of A/Cs and keep them above 25 degree C. Switch off all electrical outlets when not in use.
7. Treat your domestic help with justice, respect and dignity, because disgruntled employees develop wasteful habits to get even with their masters.
8. If the above are done, Dhaka and all other metros will once again be liveable.
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