Citizen’s charter 2015

Hyderabadis have compromised enough over the years. In 2015, they deserve better. Here are 15 things DC wants citizens to have.

Parking facilities: The city has minimal to no parking spaces on various stretches. While core areas have small parking spaces run by either GHMC or private operators, the IT corridor is largely lacking in parking spots. Despite plans, the multi-level parking slots have not materialised.

Women’s safety: Women have to think twice before stepping out in the evening. The police has started a helpline for the IT corridor. Also RTC buses have introduced a separate space for women. The city needs major gender sensitisation efforts.

Poster free city: The verdict of the Hyderabad HC has given new hope that the political parties and civic authorities will make sincere efforts to make Hyderabad a poster free city at least in 2015. Unauthorised posters, cutouts, banners and flexies on busy roads, are not only eyesores, but are also major traffic hazards.

lung space: At a time when air pollution is at its highest, the only thing that would ease the situation is more greenery and lung space. Denizens are thus looking for more parks and green spaces in Hyderabad.

Pedestrians rights: People expect the roads to be safe to walk on. There is a need for pedestrian signals on all major roads. Though the police has installed pedestrian signals at several junctions, it has to be implemented at all public places like schools, parks, hotels, malls etc.

Security for elderly: Both Telugu states top in crimes against seniors. Increase in nuclear families and seniors living alone have increased the risk of crime against them. Stronger patrolling and having data of elderly people would help, say citizens.

Cleanliness: With a large amount of garbage strewn on the roads, pests have found a habitat to thrive in. Not only are there rats, but also bandicoots. To add to this, dog feces, thanks to owners who couldn’t care less, is a big menace.

Pavements: While vehicular traffic takes over most of the roads, the construction activity of bridges, Metro Rail and road widening has deprived pedestrians of most footpaths. Due to lack of pavements, accidents are on rise in Hyderabad.

Better Auto Rates: Autorickshaw drivers fleece people because they know that the commuter is not aware. With the looming threat of Metro, drivers are looking at senior citizens and students as a new set of customers.

No spitting and smoking: Whether driving a Mercedes or an auto, when it comes to spitting on the road, everyone is equally competent. The same goes for smoking in no-smoking areas.

Public urination: Public urination is not just detrimental to Hyderabad’s image as a world-class city but is also a public health hazard. Citizens deserve to be rid of this malice.

More toilets: Sanitation is one aspect of life mostly ignored in public. The government needs to be cornered for not building enough toilets.

Better connectivity: Traffic is one of the major concerns in the city. Number of people using MMTS and other trains has increased, but lack of connectivity with railway stations to other areas is a major concern.

Trash disposal: Garbage segregation has been an idea imbibed in the minds of the people since a decade. While there have been talks, lectures, seminars etc. on how such an act would help the society, very little implementation has been done at the ground level. The concept has failed to pick up because it needs a zealous implementation.

Healthy dining: Do most of us not want healthy food? Less oil, more roasted, baked or boiled foods. Is it possible? Very few eateries have such food items on menu, but a few hoteliers are looking at options where they can serve guests a variety of health foods. The only thing that hurts after eating is the price.