Believe me, the most discouraging aspect of spending time in a city I completely love, is the thought of being stuck in a ghastly traffic snarl, without a traffic cop in sight. Seriously.... do traffic cops exist in the city? And if they do, where are they when you need them the most? Unruly, chaotic and dangerous motorists weave in and out of overcrowded lanes at will. There are hardly any traffic lights, and in any case, two wheeler riders totally ignore them, even when they are there. Getting around has become a complete nightmare.... getting off the expressway and into the city, even more so. One can make it from Mumbai to Baner in two hours flat. But from that turn off to home, is an additional two hours, through back-to-back cars, straying cows, buffaloes, trucks and perpetually inebriated BPO types. The once pure, clean air of the city has been defiled and there is a blanket of thick, brown smog sitting over the city.

Tree cover has been drastically reduced, and wooded areas stripped of vegetation. When I see the stumps of gigantic trees, cruelly hacked down by avaricious developers to put up yet another apartment block, my heart cries out, and I feel lke hugging those abandoned stumps that once stood like magnificent soldiers, protecting the city - the very symbol of Pune through the ages. The so-called development has been random and appears unplanned. Ugly 'modern' construction has replaced the majestic old 'wadas' and gracious mansions.

More than any of this, the character and profile of the 'Punekar' has undergone a huge shift. Where are all the 'tais' and 'tatyas'? Pushed out of the city of their ancestors? I rarely spot a Maharashtrian nine-yard saree - the famous Irkali lugdey, on the busy streets. I guess they've been replaced by low slung jeans and cropped tops!

I would love it if Pune reclaimed its old identity... at least a little. I no longer hear Marathi being spoken. I can't find authentic Maharashtrian cuisine, unless I request Mr. Sarpotdar to make it for me. Strange `fusion' food places have mushroomed, offering even stranger cuisine ( thaalipeeth meets pizza ). I know this is an essential part of 'progress' in one of the world's fastest growing cities. But I still believe it is possible to achieve long term progress, if the fundamentals are addressed before rampant construction destroys the ecological balance, that finally determines and defines the 'quality of life' for citizens, and more importantly, for the next generation.

Having said all this.... let me also say I love Pune with a passion. I feel possessive and proprietal towards the city I consider my second home. I am 'invested' in Pune, emotionally, too! In 2008, I hope the citizens get more pro-active in demanding change, plus answers from the administration. Pune has the potential to become a truly world class city if it gets its blueprint for the future in place right now. More open spaces, more gardens, better roads, less power\water cuts.... and fewer mosquitoes, should do the trick!