Author: Deshwale National Desk

Stray dogs, stray cats and stray bovines roam many Indian streets. Some of these stray animals in India are abandoned by owners who no longer care for them. These animals leave excreta on streets and footpaths, inconveniencing pedestrians and reducing the aesthetic appeal of many cities. Stray animals also contribute to traffic hazards, as they wander on roads with parked vehicles, stalls and waste. Many Indians have encountered stray dogs or cattle suddenly crossing roads. In such cases, drivers often brake unexpectedly or swerve. This causes accidents that injure both people and animals. According to the Ministry of Road Transport…

Mumbai is a city that never truly escapes the heat. For almost ten months of the year, the weather is hot and humid, making daily commutes on local trains exhausting. Even during the monsoon, when rains bring some respite, the humidity remains stifling. For millions of Mumbaikars, travelling on non-AC local trains has long been a test of endurance. The sweltering conditions make journeys uncomfortable, stressful, and at times, unsafe. In recent years, the introduction of AC local trains in Mumbai has shown that commuters can travel in far more comfort. AC trains provide a controlled environment, protecting passengers from…

Boulevards have long been a symbol of urban elegance and functional planning in cities around the world. In India, their potential to transform roads into attractive, sustainable, and people-friendly spaces is only beginning to be realised. Boulevards do more than separate lanes or guide traffic; they enhance aesthetics, provide shade, reduce pollution, and create a sense of civic pride. Indian roads, whether in small towns or large cities, could benefit immensely if boulevards were incorporated as a standard feature rather than being limited to highways or expressways. Traditionally, boulevards consist of wide streets lined with trees, ornamental plants, and flowers,…

Across India, the space beneath bridges and flyovers has long been treated as an afterthought. These shadowed stretches often become dumping grounds, illegal parking zones or areas vulnerable to anti-social activity. In recent years, however, several cities have begun reimagining these neglected pockets as sports complexes and playgrounds. The results suggest that such interventions can improve urban aesthetics, strengthen community life and enhance public safety when thoughtfully planned and maintained. India’s urban open space deficit makes this conversation urgent. The Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines recommend 10 to 12 square metres of open space per…

Urban life in many Indian cities is a constant juggling act. Residences, hotels, factories, offices, restaurants, shops, beggars, and hawkers often coexist in close proximity, creating environments that are noisy, congested, and stressful. For residents, commuters, and visitors alike, this blend of activity can feel chaotic, reducing the quality of life. It is worth asking whether a city can be planned differently—more methodically—to reduce stress, improve civic order, and make urban living more efficient and humane. One possible approach is to design cities with clearly delineated zones, each serving a specific purpose. Residential areas would be exclusively for housing, offering…

In many Indian cities, bus stops remain dreary, functional structures with little attention to design or aesthetics. Most are simple shelters meant to provide shade or protection from rain, but their drab appearance and lack of thoughtful planning often fail to enhance the commuting experience. While citizens depend on these structures daily, they rarely inspire or uplift. Given the crucial role public transport plays in urban life, it is worth asking whether ornate bus stops in India could improve both civic pride and citizen well-being. Aesthetically pleasing public infrastructure does more than just catch the eye. Studies from urban design…

केंद्र सरकार ने ‘वंदे मातरम्’ को लेकर नए दिशा-निर्देश जारी किए हैं, जिनके तहत अब सरकारी कार्यक्रमों और शैक्षणिक संस्थानों में इस राष्ट्रीय गीत के सभी छह अंतरे गाए जाना अनिवार्य होगा। अब तक औपचारिक अवसरों पर प्रायः केवल पहले दो अंतरे ही गाए जाते थे, जिन्हें आधिकारिक मान्यता प्राप्त है। हालांकि मूल रचना छह अंतरों की है, और सरकार का कहना है कि गीत के पूर्ण स्वरूप को सम्मान देना राष्ट्रीय चेतना के अनुरूप कदम है। जारी निर्देशों के अनुसार केंद्र सरकार के मंत्रालयों, विभागों और सार्वजनिक उपक्रमों द्वारा आयोजित कार्यक्रमों में ‘वंदे मातरम्’ के सभी अंतरे राष्ट्रीय गान…

Five young persons were recently booked for performing a dangerous car stunt on the newly built Mothagaon–Mankoli flyover in Dombivli, near Kalyan in Maharashtra. According to police reports, the accused blocked traffic and carried out reckless manoeuvres while recording videos for social media reels. The incident occurred on January 26 when several vehicles were seen racing at high speed, posing a serious threat to other commuters. Police identified the vehicles involved as a Jeep Thar, a Hyundai Verna (MH05-GD-0049) and a Mahindra Scorpio (MH05-CV-3988). The driver of the Thar, identified as Piyush Mhatre (21), was fined, while the drivers of…

Walk through almost any busy neighbourhood in Mumbai and the city’s distinctive urban character becomes evident. Residential buildings exist alongside factories, offices, shops, markets and roadside hawkers. Life constantly spills onto the streets. Noise, movement and activity rarely pause. While this vitality defines Mumbai, it leaves little room for quiet or mental ease. For many residents, even home offers limited escape from the city’s relentless pace. It is in this setting that gated communities in Mumbai have emerged as an increasingly attractive, and controversial, housing option. As Mumbai expands outward and upward, these enclosed residential developments promise order, security and…

The demolition of an illegal structure outside Tilak Nagar railway station on Mumbai’s Harbour line offers a good example of swift civic action. Acting on a commuter’s complaint posted on a social networking platform, the Railway Protection Force cleared the encroached site and confirmed that it has been secured to prevent fresh occupation. The episode, however, raises an uncomfortable question. Why must public land violations reach social media before the state responds? Will the menace of encroachments in Mumbai ever be nipped in the bud? Encroachments on government land have long plagued Mumbai. Pavements, railway corridors, coastal stretches and reserved…