Nemeira Lal, 10 & Hanaut Lal, 6
Children of Himanshu Kumar Lal, Assistant DG, UIDAI, and Dr Mrinalini Darswal, Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Controller of Delhi
Women safety and smooth traffic on the Delhi roads are the two issues that bother 10-year-old Nemeira Lal. Daughter of civil servant parents Himanshu Kumar Lal (IPS, Odisha cadre, now on Central deputation to UIDAI, as Assistant Director General) and Dr Mrinalini Darswal (Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Controller of Delhi), she feels that only attractive public transport and flexible office hours can solve the problems. Nemeira, a Class VI student of Sanskriti School, agrees that the city is changing fast. “But the safety of women needs to be given more importance. Every woman should feel safe while roaming in the city,” she says.
A passionate dancer, Nemeira attends Odishi dance classes after school, but wants to become a scientist when she grows up. “Classical dance is my hobby, but I want to be a scientist in the future,” she says, adding that in the past, she has given several stage performances.
She also has creative ideas of staggering office timings to decongest Delhi roads, while urging people to use public transport. “We really need to do something about the choked Delhi roads,” she says. As she talks, her younger brother Hanaut joins in. Nemeira spends most of the time with six-year-old Hanaut. A student of Class II at Sanskriti School, he enjoys outdoor games, and wants to become an IPS officer like his father. Not just that, he also has dreams of turning Delhi into a Singapore. “I would like to make it a city of amusement parks, water kingdoms, gaming parlours, play areas,” Hanaut says.
What does Smart City mean to you?
For me, a Smart City means where there is free Wi-fi, clean roads, speedy transportation and more parks and playing areas.
Do you think Delhi is or can be a Smart City?
No. Delhi is not yet a Smart City, but it can become one in the future.
Things you like about Delhi.
I love Nehru Park, the malls, the Metro, Khan Market and Sanskriti School.
Things you don’t like about the city.
I don’t like the pollution, traffic jams, the weather, too much population and no safety for girls.
What would you do to improve the city if you were the Chief Minister?
If I become Delhi CM, I will provide free wi-fi facility to all, extend Metro services in all areas, encourage people to use public transport by making it more attractive. I will encourage staggered working hours in offices, and reward people for maintaining cleaniness and hygiene. Women’s safety is also important.