DEVELOPMENT WHICH WAY:-

                          AT WHAT COST & FOR WHOM? 

In the bustling heart of the city, the market square had transformed into a chaotic arena. Vehicles of all shapes and sizes jostled for space, their drivers seemingly oblivious to the traffic rules. Even the police, who were expected to maintain order, seemed like spectators in this vehicular pandemonium. The chaos of the marketplaces wasn’t just a random occurrence; it was a manifestation of a society in flux. The once-unwavering adherence to traffic rules seemed to waver in the face of mounting stress and hurried lives. The police, overwhelmed by the surge of activity, appeared powerless, inadvertently adding to the sense of lawlessness that permeated the scene.

After navigating the labyrinth of honking cars and haphazardly parked scooters, I finally managed to find a distant spot to park my vehicle. Frustration bubbling within me, I entered the market, determined to accomplish my errands.

As I walked through the market’s maze-like alleys, I couldn’t help but notice the old man selling vegetables with his wife by his side, from whom I generally purchase my vegetable stuff. Curious about the steep prices, I inquired about the rising cost. To my astonishment, he explained that the wholesalers had increased their rates, leaving him with no choice but to adjust his prices accordingly. The struggling market conditions had forced people to cut back on their purchases, further affecting small businesses like his. His story mirrored that of countless small businesses, fighting to stay afloat amidst economic turbulence.

My journey into the market was an expedition into the heart of a community struggling to find its footing. The old man selling vegetables represented the backbone of the market, a hardworking soul caught in the crossfire of price hikes and dwindling customer budgets. 

I continued, and the story remained the same. The fish and meat markets were no exception; prices had skyrocketed beyond reason, everywhere. The once-affordable daily essentials now seemed like luxuries. Even the cost of petrol had hit an all-time high, leaving me to contemplate the struggles of the lower middle class, which included people like me.

The burden seemed even heavier as I thought of those less fortunate. While the poor could turn to the government for some support, the lower middle class often fell through the cracks. The realisation of this growing divide weighed heavily on my mind. The traders, once a jovial bunch, now bore the weight of uncertainty in their furrowed brows. The burden of responsibility for a household’s sustenance weighed heavily on the minds of every shopper, making each purchase a calculated decision.

With a half-empty bag and a heavy heart, I headed towards the nearby grocery store. I had grown accustomed to the convenience of home deliveries and automated payments. However, today being a holiday, I wanted to experience the market firsthand. As the groceries piled up and the bill reached astronomical heights, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of anxiety. The prices had more than doubled since my last visit, a few months back.

The visit to the grocery store was a stark reminder that the winds of change spared no one. The aisles that were once filled with affordable staples now showcased a reality of inflation, forcing even the most prudent shoppers to rethink their choices. The act of reducing the quantity of groceries became symbolic of the tightening grip of economic uncertainty and the loot by the middlemen.

Fearful of exceeding my budget, I cut down on the quantity. A sense of unease settled over me, knowing that this new reality required careful financial planning. With my errands done, I emerged from the grocery store, only to be met with another challenge – two motorcycles were obstructing my car at the front and the back. Frustration and impatience churned within me as I honked repeatedly, waiting for their owners to appear.

After an excruciating half-hour, a gentleman finally arrived to move his motorcycle. As he freed some space in the back, I could negotiate my car to the road, I couldn’t help but think about the deteriorating road conditions. The never-ending, water and electricity line project had turned the once-smooth road into a chaotic construction site, these projects look like will never end. Potholes and half-filled ditches now posed as death traps and danger to every driver navigating the area.

The road, however, was not only fraught with physical obstacles but also with the daredevil motorcyclists who seemed to revel in chaos. They weaved dangerously between cars, disregarding every rule of the road. Their stunts and speed made it evident that their intentions were more about showcasing bravado than adhering to safety.

As the day’s events unravelled, the narrative of the city’s transformation became a reflection of society at large. The intricate dance of everyday life, punctuated by challenges and choices, revealed the resilience of the human spirit. In the heart of the chaos existed an underlying current of hope and determination – the driving force that compelled people to adapt, survive, and ultimately thrive.

The tale of the city wasn’t confined to just a newspaper- or Television headline; it was etched into the fabric of everyday existence. The evolving market, the rising prices, the crumbling infrastructure, unplanned structures, and the audacious motorcyclists – all were threads woven into a complex tapestry of change. And within this narrative, the characters – the old man, the traders, the shoppers, the customers and the daredevil motorcyclists – played their parts with a blend of vulnerability, courage, and tenacity.

The city’s story was far from over. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the market square, the journey continued. Through the challenges and chaos, a city and its people were transforming, discovering new facets of resilience and hope, and embracing the intricate dance of life in a world constantly in motion.

 With a slight rain, the roads are inundated as the drains are made without any survey and the slopes, the direction towards which the water should flow is not known but drains are made, to show the expenditure in the last few months of the financial year. The drains are becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes as the drains always have some water-blocked. The citizen’s carefree attitude in throwing plastic waste in the drains makes it even worse. All water bodies are now gradually encroached under the eyes of the administration and with their connivance- by big business houses, and clearing of encroachment is restricted only to the poor who do not have any living space . The hills are cut without any restrictions and landslides ultimately go to the drains and clog them and the city has to face the flood without complaint. A pathetic condition in every part of the city.

The clock continued to tick, and the day slipped away, consumed by the market ordeal. I reluctantly abandoned my other plans and returned home, craving a moment of respite. The comfort of my home was a stark contrast to the turmoil of the market, and a glass of water provided some much-needed relief.

As I reflected on the day’s events, I couldn’t help but acknowledge the transformation the city had undergone. While the newspaper and Television headlines showcased development, it was apparent which way the progress had come in reality. 

The bustling market, once a symbol of vitality, now mirrored the struggles of an economy in flux. The dim face of the vegetable seller and such small businessmen and customers says it all.

The city’s story was far from over. 

When considering development, it’s important to weigh the costs and benefits of different directions to ensure that we are making responsible and sustainable choices. This requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, such as environmental impact, social equity, and economic feasibility. Ultimately, the direction we choose should aim to promote long-term prosperity and well-being for all stakeholders involved.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the market square, the journey continued. Through the challenges and chaos, a city and its people were transforming, discovering new facets of resilience and hope, and embracing the intricate dance of life in a world constantly in motion.