Dear Colleagues
Heat waves around the world, London, Paris and Delhi equally impacted; climate changes do not leave anyone behind; another round for your perusal:
- Several European countries have a legal "Right to Roam' where general public can access private or public lands (forests, mountains, waterbodies, etc.) for recreation and exercise. UK has a large network of 'walkers' who support ways in which this right is implemented. Walking on a path on private land, we could enjoy viewing an aquatic life in a chalk river recently in UK. In some countries, it is 'fear' of walking, instead of freedom to walk!
- In the middle of the city of Makhanda (in Eastern Cape province of South Africa), several donkeys are loitering daily. They are privately owned, but they roam in public spaces (roads, sidewalks, etc); it seems they also enjoy the "Right to Roam'! In the local economy, donkeys provide mobility and transport, without worries about rising oil prices. By the way, official statistics indicate that donkey population in India has declined by 60% in the last decade. Due to? AI??
- My first ever travel in A380 double-deck airplane was a unique experience. It can carry 850 passengers, its width (wingspan) is more than its length, and it requires special double-decker airbridges to board and alight. Given its humongous weight, special taxiways and runways are needed for this superjumbo to operate. While the flight itself was very smooth, it took 30 minutes to get out of the plane. As oil prices gallop and air travel declines, such large planes may not be able to remain viable?
- The vibrant city of Bangkok (in Thailand) has a population nearly 18 million, half the size of Delhi. Its four-wheeler population is 10 million, about four times that of Delhi. The two-wheeler population of Bangkok and Delhi is about the same, close to 5 million. Not a single decibel of horn in Bangkok, compared to honking by each driver in Delhi, irrespective of traffic. Every vehicle in Bangkok follows road rules, no wrong side driving or lane jumping. Parking etiquettes in Bangkok are so simple, unlike Delhi where whole city is a disorganised parking lot!
- Bangkok is also a temple city, with Buddha's statues in different sizes and forms. The practice of Buddhism is a very personal affair; no loud chanting or busy business. Visitors can make donations at all temples. To encourage donations in cash, most temples have an ATM machine too, dispensing cash. Other countries can also consider such possibilities.
Stay well, sincerely
Dr. Rajesh Tandon
About the Author
A Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, USA) and an electronics engineer (IIT, Kanpur) with a graduation in management (IIM, Calcutta), Dr Rajesh Tandon is an internationally acclaimed leader and practitioner of participatory research and development.
His journey with PRIA started in 1982, as a young IIM graduate wanting to do more than just complete his PhD fieldwork.
