Towards a liveable and lovable city

These days we hear a lot about liveable and lovable cities. What are the defining features of a liveable and lovable city? A liveable city is fairly simple to describe. The city must have adequate, reliable and top-class urban infrastructure. It should have basic infrastructure like adequate water supply, treated, underground sewerage network, good quality roads and an efficient public transport. One can also add a good public healthcare system and reliable electricity system. But to describe a lovable city is a little more complex. In big cities, the original population of the city gets smaller and smaller as the city grows into a megacity with more people migrating from other cities and villages. The more liveable a city, the more people would be attracted to shift into the city. In cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Surat, percentage of outsiders is far more than original inhabitants. One definite trait about a lovable city is that its people feel a strong sense of bonding with the city and feel strongly attached to its history, traditions, heritage and customs. They expect their city authorities to constantly upgrade the city’s infrastructure and display a great sense of responsibility to protect its assets. A lovable city usually is a historic city, which has evolved over centuries and there is a harmonious blend of tradition with modernity. While it will have its swanky, shining malls and complexes, it would also have its beautiful buildings and structures from the past, evoking a sense of history and nostalgia. A lovable city would also offer large, open spaces for its public in terms of large fields, gardens, riverfronts and water bodies. A lovable city would provide for affordable amenities for citizens from various socio-economic strata. It should be kept in mind that no city anywhere in the world would be a perfect liveable and lovable city. But cities would be in various stages of this liveability and lovability index. It should be the constant endeavour of the authorities to raise their index still higher. After achieving the critical basic infrastructure, the focus should be on adding features that enhance the quality of life and promote the sense of belongingness and pride in being part of the city. The marathons of New York, London and Boston are some such events that bring all the citizens together and promote lovability of the city. Similarly, activities like book fairs, craft bazaars, flower shows, literary and art events, famous sports competitions and certain events of iconic importance endear the citizens to the city more. Sometime back, The Times of India had done an online survey among residents of all cities above four million populations to find out the attraction quotient of various Indian megacities. Ahmadabad scored high as the most liveable city. Another online survey by Divya Bhaskar rated the city as the most preferred city to live. Though a lot has been achieved in the city, it is still a long way to go for being a true liveable and lovable city. The author is municipal commissioner of Ahmedabad