We heard the newly elected metropolitan members have envisioned smart cities with monorails running on elevated trails and the citizens being facilitated with the smart toilets. Ok, granted. It is pleasant to hear plans that provide people a blissful living in city areas. It is a dream of every citizen to live in problem-less and, spotlessly clean city that is in perfect harmony with latest technology.

But, the reality is something different. It is not surprising to see a man feeling insecure to walk on the subways. If it rains heavily for even half an hour, the roads are filled with clogged drain water. It is almost impossible to know of you are walking on the road or over manholes and potholes.

To bring to light a recent incident, a school girl had misjudged her footing and nearly lost her life as she fell into a manhole. She drained some 30 meters down before being rescued. Another school girl lost her life on her way home due to the same reason. Thanks to people’s quick thinking, the first girl was saved.

Despite living in the capital city, people don’t have the sense of security in Kathmandu. Ours is a city without proper crossroads, waste management or system.

Even though people are aware about the hazardous surrounding, all they can do is look at the folly. Who is to be blamed for such unsystematic development plan and irresponsibility on the part of stakeholders?

It is easy to confuse the citizens with buzz words of development, but realizing the promises is the real challenge. Sharing the dream of development is right, but the question is, are the aforementioned dreams realistic? Are they achievable with an almost dismantled city and mentality? Are the visions clear? And what are the strategies to achieve the goal or just said to gain the short term popularity?

For now, micro-management of the metropolitan problems would serve the best for humanity. Proper drainage system, well constructed roads, managed disposal system, supply of pure drinking water, and systematized transportation service should be the first priority of the concerned authorities.

Our citizens are humble, all they ask for is basic necessities to be fulfilled.