Singapore Model Public Park in Trivandrum

 

Plastic Bottles at Kannakunnu

I have never been to Singapore but I have heard about the way they keep public spaces in fine order. People don't throw paper or plastic and if they do then high-fines are levied. So, one aspect is the public involvement and then govt initiative and constant monitoring  I guess similar method is followed by most world-class cities.

Monitoring & FINES! 

Here in Kerala we tried such monitoring in a small way, albeit in traffic rules. So, when smart camera was first initiated at many traffic junctions, opposition cried foul for the efficacy of the system, high-cost and kick-backs Other day, I was waiting at Kumapuram signal and to my surprise I could see bikes and cars waiting in an orderly way, without crossing the zebra line! How obedient have we become! 

This is all b'cos, we know that someone is watching us and if we break the rules, then fines follow us. According to a recent report, this smart camera has reduced traffic accidents and lowered fatalities on the road.

So, will such kind of model work when it comes to maintaining cleanliness in our public places like Kanakakunnu or Napier Museum? Can we try it out in a small space and see the result? 

Role Model Safety Park - Open all night!

Suppose the authorities along with public participate in a S'pore style clean spot in Kannakakunnu palace areas, then what are the chances of it working? What if there's a complete coverage,just like Iron Dome which supposedly shields Israel from missile attack? We can name this project as "Zero Litter Dome". 

Apart from public edication and support, one of the key aspect in a good surveillance system covering entire Kannakunnu? What if the entire area is open 24/7? Will such a system attract unwanted elements which made ruckus, lie the way it turned out in Manaveyam Vede?. 

There are some ways to Track and bring order!

1. People visiting this premises has to pay a fee of Rs 50 or so
2. High-value cameras at all points ( Leave no parts without cam)
3. Coffee joints and snack spots 
4. Over 20 staff to manage the place 
5. Fine of Rs 500 if anyone drops a bottle or even paper in any spots other than the waste bins
6. Exclusive waiting room for women

How to Remodel into Singapore way of Public Space 

1. Create 365 days open orchid and flower greenhouse 
2. Reading room inside it ( AC room)
3. Neat bathrooms 
4. A police outpost ( A/C room )
5. Mobile charging spot 


Investment?

Probably, Trivandrum govt should ask S'pore govt with a proposal and a blue print on how to create a zone like this. If they say no, then we can approach anyother country or state or even ask our twin town city to help us financially and technically on how to set a space like this. To start a project like this, we require big funds and that can happen only if there's a contributor!

It could also be sponsored by private companies or money from a generous public who has approved of such a plan. 

Keeping Singapore clean

Singapore is known for being a clean and attractive city. NEA plays a key role in ensuring Singapore lives up to its reputation, by ensuring its streets and pavements are litter-free. This is achieved in three key ways: the cleaning of public areas, public education, and enforcement.

On 1st October 1968, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew launched the first 'Keep Singapore Clean' programme with fines for littering

     Actually, our Swatch Bharat Programme had the same intention. The start of the programe was excellent, but slowly the intention got diluted as Govt had chased too many campaigns. ( Like Me). And, as a result, resource, money and focus got lost.  

Articles and news coverage about Singapore's cleanliness 

1. BBC