11 Suggestions That Will Help Make India Better

India has immense potential. It¡¯s a nation of start-ups and a growing economy. People from all over the world want to invest in our country. Our scientists are taking us further into space with Mangalyaan being the one project we are distinctly proud of. However, there¡¯s no denying that India has a long way to go. Our ever-growing population, pollution, traffic and cleanliness still needs to be dealt with. Here are some suggestions that would help us bridge the gap from where we are to where we intend to be.

1. Fine the jaywalkers.

thedailystar.net

It is unfair to blame the driver for road accidents that take place in our country all the time. Pedestrians too are responsible for it. A number of times, pedestrians walk in the way of motor vehicles. In fact, some of them walk even when the signal is green. Texting while crossing the road is another problem - it's extremely dangerous. Therefore, it¡¯s necessary to impose a fine on jaywalkers. In New Zealand, the fine is up to $35 for child pedestrians, and about $45 for adult pedestrians. In Asia, Singapore and Iran consider jaywalking an offence. In the former, repeat offenders can be fined up to $1000.

2. Make provisions for disabled people

Flickr.com/Taber Bain

It¡¯s disappointing to see that our cities and towns are not friendly to disabled people. In the United States, most states have designed separate delivery systems for disabled people. For instance, they have separate seats on trains and the tubes. Moreover, they also have separate washrooms and driving lanes.

3. Stick to lane driving

manipurupdate

India has a high rate of road accidents. One way we can reduce this is by following lane driving. It¡¯s difficult though, because people come from unimaginable directions and speed. In 2014, Gurgaon traffic police had started a drive to spread awareness on the 19 km stretch between Sirhaul and Kherki Dhaula toll plazas. To ensure people stick to lane driving, 25 policemen were deployed on the same stretch. Such awareness drives should be encouraged , and we should stick to the lanes ourselves. For instance, in London, the government has a heavy penalty on those vehicles that drive in the bus lane. People think twice before changing lanes.

4. Encourage people to use public toilets, and keep them clean.

Flickr.com/Allison

Urinating in public places is one of India¡¯s biggest problems. The government has made a constant effort to install public toilets, but we still don¡¯t have enough of them. And we definitely don¡¯t have them clean. India does have a fine on urinating in public. In fact, in June 2015, 109 people were sent to jail in Agra for the same. Still, this penalty isn¡¯t taken seriously. According to us, we should also have a fine on keeping public toilets clean. Singapore has a fine of $500 for not flushing a public toilet. So why can¡¯t we?

5. Force security personnel to do their job properly

haryaanabtak

There are several people to check you at airports, malls, markets, monuments, and yet terrible things have happened. This is just because these guys aren¡¯t interested in checking the crowd properly. Agreed, there are too many people to be checked. But it's necessary for the sake of everyone's safety. The next time you see them doing a shoddy job, do remind them why they should inspect everyone properly. A tiny reminder won¡¯t hurt them.

6. Penalise people who deface national monuments.

desireflections.blogspot

And stop those writing things like 'Radha loves Krishna'. Such love birds should be thrown in prison together. By writing rubbish on national monuments, we are disgracing our heritage. Our monuments are world heritage sites and should be taken care of. This is something that should come from within. In India, there is a law protecting archaeological and ancient sites, but not many people know about it. United States has severe penalty against those people who deface national monuments. People have paid up to $3400 for carving names on sandstones near heritage properties.

7. Encroachments should be removed

topnews.in

Encroachments do more harm than good. In case of a natural disaster, people residing in these encroachments are at most risk. Additionally, these encroachments fall onto the road and lead to traffic jams and make it difficult for ambulances and fire brigades to reach the hospital or the site of an accident. A heavy penalty should be levied on those occupying the government land.

8. Right of way for ambulances and fire brigades should be an unbreakable rule.

wikipedia

Ambulances and fire brigades exist so that emergencies can be handled. There¡¯s no point of them being stuck in traffic. The government should make right of way for emergency vehicles mandatory, and citizens should abide by it. Delhi has been trying to make room for green corridors, but people still take it lightly. According to rule 219 of UK's Highway Code, one is supposed to look and listen for emergency vehicles and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. And citizens of UK abide by it because failure to follow it can lead to criminal proceedings.

9. A safe passage for animals should be a priority

takepart.com

There have been instances where elephants have died while crossing rail tracks. A number of cows and street dogs die on the highways every second day. Even animals deserve to be treated with care. Animal bridges are common in different parts of the world like the Netherlands, Canada and the United States. We take their land so the least we can do is give them space. In Washington state, US, a separate freeway overpass for animals has been created. It¡¯s a remarkable effort by their government, and we too should add it to our priority list.

10. Zero tolerance towards spitting

Flickr.com

It¡¯s an absolute shame to see people spitting on the road. The instant reaction when someone spits on the road is ¡®yuck.¡¯ It is sad that though there is a fine on spitting in public places in most states in India, no one really follows it. In June 2015, the Maharashtra government came up with a unique anti-spitting law that combines monetary punishment with mandatory community service. If such laws could be exercised in the entire country, we¡¯ll be a step closer to making India clean.

11. 'Let's make India clean' should be the mantra of the year

pmoindia.gov.in

We know that India is not going to become clean in a jiffy. A number of plans are being initiated to make people aware about cleanliness. But we're nowhere near where we should be. Of course, a greater effort is required on our part, and stricter actions from the government¡¯s side. Maybe we can take inspiration from Philippines? There are hefty laws against everyone who litters, and doesn¡¯t dispose garbage properly.

Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments below!