Politics
18h ago EN
Civic Sense: The Missing Ingredient
Civic sense is often spoken of as a small thing, a matter of manners, cleanliness or public behaviour. But in reality, it is one of the most important markers of a society’s maturity. In Kashmir, where beauty is abundant and public life remains deeply sensitive, civic sense assumes an even greater significance. It is not just about keeping roads clean or standing in queues. It is about the habits, values and responsibilities that shape how people live together in a shared space. A valley as cherished, as crowded and as fragile as Kashmir cannot afford to treat civic discipline as an afterthought. For years, Kashmir has been admired for its natural splendour, its cultural richness and the resilience of its people. Yet admiration alone does not protect public spaces, respect common property, or ensure orderly conduct in daily life. Littering along roads, damage to public infrastructure, reckless parking, traffic indiscipline, noise pollution and the casual disregard for rules continue to undermine the collective life of the Valley. These are not merely administrative problems. They are civic failures, and they reflect a deeper disconnect between individual conduct and public responsibility. A society that lacks civic sense ultimately pays a heavy price. Garbage strewn along streets, encroachments on footpaths, disrespect for traffic norms and the routine misuse of public facilities create inconvenience for all and damage the environment for generations. In Kashmir, where urban spaces are already under pressure and tourism remains a major part of the economy, civic negligence becomes even more costly. A tourist arriving in the Valley does not judge it only by mountains, lakes and gardens. He or she also notices the state of roads, markets, public toilets, footpaths and the general discipline of its inhabitants. In that sense, civic sense is not a private virtue; it is also part of Kashmir’s public image. At the same time, the burden of civic responsibility cannot rest on citizens alone. Authorities too must do their part by ensuring cleanliness, efficient waste disposal, traffic regulation and the protection of public spaces. Civic culture grows when people see that rules are enforced fairly and consistently. But no amount of governance can succeed if citizens remain indifferent to their own role. Public order begins with personal conduct. A cleaner street, a safer crossing, a quieter neighbourhood and a more disciplined market all begin with the choices people make every day. Kashmir today needs a renewed civic consciousness. Schools, religious institutions, community leaders, market associations and local bodies must all work together to make civic sense part of social habit rather than occasional advice. Children should be taught early that public property belongs to everyone. Adults should understand that discipline in public life is not weakness, but respect. The Valley’s future depends not only on economic growth or political stability, but on whether its people learn to care for the spaces they share. Kashmir deserves better streets, better traffic, better cleanliness and better public behaviour. More importantly, it deserves a citizenry that sees civic sense not as a burden, but as a basic expression of dignity and responsibility. That is how the Valley will preserve not only its beauty, but its soul.
