Delhi's transformation: From chaos to clean streets & smart solutions

Now that the hurly-burly's done, and the battle's lost and won, Delhi gov needs to hit the ground running. Stepping away from past efforts that have focused monomaniacally on an infrastructure spree, Delhi's - and New Delhi's - transformation must begin with fixing building blocks of any urban space: safe roads; clean neighbourhoods, air and water; improved mobility though mass public options; and access to healthcare, education and other public services. Essentially, things that genuinely make a city, state or country 'viksit'.

The 'double engine' will now be in play after 12 years when Congress was in government both in Centre and state. With its unique governance structure, Delhi's public order, police and land are under the purview of GoI-appointed LG, while the state legislature is in charge of education, health, public services, etc. Being in sync in practice is a must. Delhi's 2041 Master Plan, pending approval with GoI for the last three years, must be updated, with clear time-bound goals and implementation plans to make it an efficient, green and modern city.

Delhi must build a waste management infrastructure required for effective solid waste and wastewater treatment, and enable the municipal authority to improve waste collection and management. To tackle air pollution, it must design and implement an integrated mass public transport system. Better constructed, maintained and lit roads, sewage system, improved digital infra, land use that reflects the needs of a growing population and fixing healthcare - oxygen cylinder shortage during the pandemic was not forgotten by many voters this time - must be high on the agenda. Essentially, this is an opportunity to upgrade the state and city to what their people aspire.