Smita Mitra has worked as an editor and writer for publications like Hindustan Times, Outlook and Himal Southasian. She is currently based in Bangalore.
A riot by domestic workers, protests against gender violence or movements against patriarchal limits are all sporadic but increasing signs of resentment against the feudal codes of conduct that still dominate our cities.
Indian cities need serious, sustained focus on the various components that can improve and nurture their ecosystems. While a few individual and community driven projects raise hopes, a lot remains to be done.
Looking at urban spaces as ‘novel ecosystems’ – emerging ecologies that have no historical predecessors – can change how we think about afforestation and conservation efforts.
