Chapter 12 Solutions — Grassroots Democracy Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas

Citizens have a duty to report problems to their urban local body so it can act.

We should note the location of the leak and inform the nearest ward committee or the municipal corporation/council helpline as quickly as possible.

We could also alert an adult in the neighbourhood who can follow up if we are unable to do so ourselves.

The chapter reminds us that reporting a water leakage promptly prevents further wastage of precious water.

This is a class activity. Here is guidance on how to do it:

Step 1 — Identify a suitable guest: Your teacher can help contact a local ward councillor, the ward committee secretary, or an officer from the Municipal Council/Corporation office.

Step 2 — Prepare questions in advance. Good questions to ask:

What are the main duties of a ward councillor?

How does the ward committee decide which problems to solve first?

How can citizens report problems like broken roads or water leaks?

What services does the municipal body provide to residents?

How is the annual budget of the ward decided?

Step 3 — During the meeting, listen carefully and take notes.

Step 4 — After the meeting, discuss what you learned about how local democracy works in your city.

This is a community discussion activity. Here is guidance:

Talk to parents, grandparents, neighbours, or shopkeepers and ask what they expect from their Municipal Council or Corporation.

Common expectations you might hear (based on the chapter's list of functions):

Clean drinking water supply at all times.

Regular garbage collection and clean streets.

Good drainage and sewage systems to prevent flooding.

Well-maintained roads, streetlights, and footpaths.

Proper maintenance of parks and public spaces.

Prompt action when problems like water leaks or potholes are reported.

Fair and transparent use of tax money collected from residents.

Record the responses and present them as a list in class.