HP3: Trash Talking Kochi

Disclaimer - Homelandia is a series of posts sharing my experiences from my recent trip to India. All the posts are based on true events exaggerated with a bit of masala (spice) in a truly Indian fashion. This includes some immature and naive opinions voiced by yours truly. No offense intended. None taken. Click here to read Part 1, Part 2, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6 and Part 7 of the series.

"Aint no city for Queen"

We are walking along the brand new musical pathway called Queen's walkway in Kochi (also known as Queen of the Arabian sea). This was inaugurated just 5 days ago by MLA Mr. Hibi Eden. We are enjoying the cool evening breeze and the refreshing views. Halfway thru the walkway, I stop in my tracks and formulate this letter in my head

Dear Mr. Hibi Eden,

Thank you for making this wonderful and beautiful walkway. You hope to attract big crowds with the beautiful backwater views, brilliant lights and automated music. Did you not expect street vendors to be attracted to the big crowds? Did you not expect people to get hungry for a quick snack  on their evening stroll or cool down with some icecream in the sweltering heat of Kochi? These people currently have three options for trashing their waste. The beautiful new tiles of the walkway, under the manicured new trees, or the pristine backwaters we overlook. Respected Sir, You spent RS. 5 crore on this walkway but forgot to install a single trashcan along the entire stretch.

However I sincerely thank you for the walkway as it gave me the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful morning. I sat under the shade of the tree and sketched the beautiful backwaters.

Sincerely,

concerned citizen

"Aint no country for god"

This got me thinking of waste management problem in Kochi. Kochi is one of the larger cities in the state of Kerala(called God's own country).There is no shortage of natural beauty in Kochi but everywhere I go, I see tons of trash lying along sidewalks  and dumped in middle of neighborhoods, . If I was given Rs. 5 crores for Kochi, I would first try to install a good waste management infrastructure and educate the public on its usage. Proper garbage and recycle disposal mechanisms in all neighborhoods and timely collection and clearing of public garbage cans.
What would you do if you were given Rs.5 crore for your city? Please feel free to share in comments below or on facebook.