Towards a greener and cleaner Qatar
Dear Sir,
I have been in Qatar for the last three years. I am from India’s Kerala state, a lush green place. Before coming to Doha, I had worked in India’s metropolitan cities like Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai.
When I first reached Doha, I felt so out of place: the city looked so drab and dusty and there was very little greenery. My feeling of disappointment was so huge that at times I even decided to go back to India. But because of some financial obligations I decided to continue here.
And surprisingly, during the last three years I have discovered many positive signs with the country. Among them are:
- The government’s keen interest to promote sports
- Improving the state’s road infrastructure
- Its efficient water and electricity system
- Its waste management
- Cheaper fuels
I would like to congratulate Qatar for the above five things, especially its programmes to promote sports. In this connection I would like to point out that I am a regular visitor to Aspire Zone and am so excited about that place and the great way it is maintained.
The government, however, should focus its attention on some other areas too. On top of that list are:
1) Public transport. This needs to be expanded and developed further
2) Public recreation, especially for single expatriates. Qatar is the richest country in the world. People from different parts of world work in Qatar: we have a truly international community here.
Most of the people work here in a mentally and physically stressful environment, so avenues for recreation are important for them.
Qatar has a coastline of 563km and is blessed with many beautiful beaches in Mesaieed, Dukhan and Al Khor. Many expats visit these beaches during weekends and national holidays. But I find parts of these beaches dirty with food waste and plastic trash thrown all over the place. No freshwater is available at the beaches. If freshwater is made available at these beaches, it will be a great relief for those visiting them.
I often see people barbecuing chicken on the beaches, leaving behind all the waste when they return. If there are some good restaurants near beaches, visitors need not have to cook their own food. Such outlets will do good business. Many residents now avoid these excellent beaches because of these problems and instead go to malls for spending their free time. Let people go to beaches instead of malls.
Also, mini models of Aspire Zones may be built in residential areas all over the state.
Instead of building “concrete forests”, we should have more green parks in Qatar. More trees should be planted all over the country.
I am sure Qatar will be a great and green country where there is no discrimination and racism as we march together towards 2022.
TP
(Full name and e-mail address supplied)
