With rapid growth of population, every city especially Delhi is developing more and more urban complications. It is impossible for the state/local government to provide solutions to all our
woes but amidst these challenges lies a glimmer of hope as we have volunteers, social workers and the Society within our Colony to meet the surmounting challenges. The elected MC has members with various skill sets and expertise. Sub-committees are formed according to the skill, passion and drive. Some people in the MC have taken the initiative of zero waste management. A few volunteers from the colony alongwith the MC members have come forward and are visiting other colonies where zero waste disposal is effectively implemented. They are working hard on the logistics of how to make our Colony zero-waste community. Another pressing issue which Panchsheel Park faces is of Security. We have several gates and the gates are opened alternatively in S-block means all gates are not open at all times to avoid thoroughfare. The security has in the past averted many disasters like an electricity pole once caught fire and immediately called the fire brigade and BSES and got it doused. The guards are vigilant and recently even nabbed two teenaged thieves in the colony.
We have witnessed the gradual encroachment of commercialization into our residential area.This transformation brings with it increased traffic congestion, noise pollution, and a loss of the serene charm that Panchsheel Park once had. Nevertheless, the MC is doing its best and went in a clean up drive where no vehicles are allowed to park on the side of the Ring Road. Several Banks,hospitals, clinics and schools are in our colony which is a boon and a bane. We have to collaborate and find solutions which help us in preserving the residential character of our colony. As we all know Panchshila Park has many senior citizens. They enrich our lives with their wealth of life experiences and stories. To keep up their spirit, a voluntary group has been formed called “Panchshila Golden friends”, The group comprises of volunteers called care givers and senior citizens. The group endeavours to organize a meet over chai/coffee and gupshup. On 21st April, they organized a book reading programme by author, Bubbles Sabharwal. The noted columnist, Theatre director and author, Bubbles, read parts of her book called “Dude its all about Attitude”. A thoroughly enjoyable evening over cake, cookies and coffee. The book is about how to enjoy each day and that age does not matter if the attitude towards our life and living is right. It is liberating. Lots of senior citizens turned up for the event and it was heartening to see so many happy faces.
Cleanliness in our colony is taken very seriously. Even though MCD workers keep the colony clean, sometimes there are dumps of leaves left or in some stretch even garbage. If an alert resident complains, the Society immediately addresses it and has it removed. Lot of time and dedication goes behind the colony matters and we must appreciate it.
Another unique feature of Panchshila Park is the “Maitri” group. It is wtsapp group formed years ago where shared contact names and numbers of electricians, plumbers, carpentars, maids and any service that one can think of. It started off as a small group but has grown into a women’s support network where now we share our experiences, throw advises, joke and banter sometimes. The wtsapp became into a full blown local Google group and we have now made separate branches according to the specialization like:Gourmet- to share recepies, information about food festivals, Utsav-share details of workshops, events, fairs, exhibitions, Vyapar-to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of the women in Panchshila Park.
The power of women’s camaraderie within a residential colony cannot be underestimated. From shared experiences and empathy to networking and skill-sharing, we have built a strong support network which is very essential for a community to thrive.
We have a problem of stray dogs in the colony and very aptly a group called “Strays Management Group” was formed by the dog lovers. They take care of their vaccinations, health checkup and food. They try and ensure a harmonious coexistence between strays and residents by implementing these measures.
While our colony woes may seem overwhelming at times, it is essential to remember that every problem has a solution waiting to be discovered. Let us remain optimistic, resilient, and proactive in our pursuit of solutions.
by Swati Shah (9810547382)
