As each and every pothole
Takes a really heavy toll
Of lumbar and cervical spines,
No city imposes on itself any fines!
Bad roads are every Indian city’s woe
Where population tends to exponentially grow,
With more people migrating from towns and villages
In search of employment, livelihood and better wages.
Road rage and accidents — everyday events
That regularly challenge citizens’ tolerance,
As they run around to sustain their lives
In cities where indifference alone thrives.
Negotiating roads is not easy
Because of the traffic crazy.
Driving is stress and strain
Especially when it begins to rain ...
Overflowing roads and craters
Are treacherous nerve graters.
As rainwater floods and invades,
Traffic congesting roads, pervades.
Pedestrians are always at a loss
On how to crowded roads cross -
Roads that have no overbridges or sidewalks
Roads on which at every step, danger stalks.
Town planners, civic agencies, please wake up -
And in mission mode, do evaluate and take up
Sensible infrastructure projects
That cover present needs and future objects.
(The writer’s email:
padmaja_iyengar@yahoo.co.in)
