South Asia Citizens Web

It is rare for elections to leave democracy weaker, not stronger. But this is what will happen after July 25. Whether the PML-N, headed by Shahbaz Sharif wins or, instead, the PTI and Imran Khan, is a relatively small matter. The post-election certainties are far more significant — and portentous.

It is disturbing how much India has begun to emulate Pakistan

Loss of mature trees cannot be made up by planting new ones. Forest Department shows how not to grow a forest

The widespread protests against the felling of thousands of mature trees in South Delhi show that ordinary citizens are deeply concerned about the environment of their city. The worst air quality in the world, mountains of solid waste, persistent water scarcity, severe traffic congestion, and disasters such as flooding – all these issues compel us to recognize that current development strategies have failed us. Over the last four years, similar protests have erupted in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai and many other Indian cities, indicating the national magnitude of our urban environmental crisis.