Falling flyovers and exploding bombs – Will we ever be safe?

Give Me Blood, and I Promise you Freedom! - Had shouted one of the greatest freedom fighters in earnest. We are still giving blood, 60 years later, but what have we gained in return? We live in fear and apathy; of falling flyovers and exploding bombs.

The Punjagutta Flyover that crashed yesterday, causing terror in the heart of Hyderabad, so soon after the twin blasts showed again just how unprepared and almost uncaring our administration is. Ironically we are the ones you give them the position and power that today they so happily use to their own gain.

Are we the victims of our own decisions? Doesn’t the people’s representative have any responsibility towards the people? Even movie stars are afraid to anger their supporters, but our politicians are not.

Faulty constructions, corruption, lack of infrastructure and security in a speedy emerging city- and what we get in return for the administrations shortcomings? A check of one lakh rupees and insincere condolences.

And let’s not only point the finger at the administrations. What are we as citizens doing? We don’t even vote for the deserving candidates. We are the ones that choose these irresponsible governments. Can’t we bring them down too? Can’t we hold them culpable and demand answers and solutions? Is it always for some political party to call and strike and protest for their own personal gain? Educated IT professionals were among the dead in both the blasts and yesterday’s flyover collapse. This is one of Indians growing vital section. If these people cannot bring the administration to bear then who can?

Even as accusations fly high, I can recall hearing that the flyover was unsafe one whole year ago. I have read letters to the editor in papers complaining about the chaos this so-called venture was creating in the traffic situation. But was anything done? May be we should wait for one of the chief ministers to be squished under the concrete to get an reaction? I highly doubt that. In India, a value of life is nothing.

The papers have reported that rescue efforts didn’t kick in until two hours after the collapse. Isn’t this time the administration woke up to the pathetic condition of its emergency response system? Can’t build a team of trained professionals and equip them with the hardware to be able to move and counter such situations in time? Is our hard earned money more useful to protecting one useless man’s life then protecting the many thousands who have given that man the position?

I know I have asked many questions in this blog. I hope our younger generation is ready to step up and answer these questions and start demanding our safety and security in return for the sweat and blood that they are giving to this country.