For nearly two weeks, we all saw a very different and likeable side of Delhi. The city became a fort with security personnel guarding various areas with utmost precision and alertness. It suddenly became very safe to hail public transport late at night under the watchful eyes of guards. Everybody gave their best but now post-Games, it seems that many are missing the action.
Streets are nearly empty now, it’s slowly coming back to normal, but many miss the clean, secure look of the city and wish that it had stayed the same.
Surbhi Tandon, a volunteer with CWG says, “What I miss most about the Games is how suddenly the city became a safe haven for women and how Delhiites behaved as responsible citizens and contributed towards the success of the Games. They also behaved respectfully with tourists.”
PR professional Vandana M. shares that she loved the reduced traffic on the roads and adds that it was good to see Delhi Police on duty and well-behaved autowallahas. “The practice that was followed for 15 days should be a routine for a better tomorrow,” she says.
Agrees Surbhi, “The government should ensure that Delhi remains a ‘world-class’ city even after the success of the Games and becomes a model for other cities and not only in terms infrastructure, but also on fronts like security for women, quality of life, cleanliness and greenery.”
However, it may not be feasible to have round the clock security like we saw earlier. Media professional Payal Saxena explains, “It’s just not possible, Delhi Police was overstretched at that time. We had paramilitary forces as well.”
Nimit Ahuja, entrepreneur, points out that as the celebrations are over, it will be back to square one in no time. “However, it was a treat seeing boorish Delhiites actually following the blue lane. Delhi was a bride and the city a huge wedding venue.”