Y Merina Chishi
Every year the government spends lakhs of rupees building, beautifying and cleaning up public property-only to have them being defaced and destroyed. In Nagaland most people have not realized the value of taking care of public property. Destroying and misusing public property had become a very big defect in our State. We often criticize the government of nor providing public facilities but when it does, we don't take the responsibility of taking care of it.
Our clogged drains, broken street dividers and dirty public spaces speak volumes about our lack of civic sense and irresponsible behaviour towards public property. Foot path railings that were put up by the Dimapur Municipal Council near the forest office complex didn't last a week. Road dividers and traffic islands are often knocked down by reckless drivers. The murals across town are filled with tobacco and lime stains, while garbage accumulated at any tiny space available.
So who do we hold accountable for this behaviour? So much awareness and education is being dessimated by the government, NGO's and even educational institutions yet indifferent attitude towards safeguarding public still exists. We cannot expect the government alone to build and care for public property. It doesn't belong only to the government. It belongs to everyone and we the people must take care of our own belongings.
If awareness is not helping, perhaps, setting up cameras in public spaces can ensure better public accountability. Fined, punishment and performing community service should be imposed on those who show apathy towards taking care of public property. The government is investing so much time and money on building and providing amenities to the public, so it definitely gives it the right to penalise those who don't care for the same. The money realized from fine may as well be utilized to provide many more other facilities to the public.
Taking care of public property is our duty. It is one of the fundamental duties listed in our Constitution. It is just simply good sense to take care of what is ours. Just ask yourself:"would I do the same to my own private property?"
Comments can be sent to merinachishi@gmail.com
