Thank you Mr Kalmadi

Once upon a time in Bangalore, there was this vast stretch of marshy land dotted with lakes. It was a haven for all manner of aquatic life. Now there was one particular piece of marsh right in the middle of this place. A vast stretch of soggy, marshy land that was a lair for many aquatic birds. It even hosted migrants such as the endangered Siberian crane. Residents of the area recognized the privilege and kept their peace. Until one fine day in 1997, something terrible happened - Mr Suresh Kalmadi.

Unfortunately, Bangalore was chosen to host the National Games. And this entire ecosystem was to be wiped out to build accommodation for the athletes. The usual cycle of civil protest happened - walks, petitions, letters to editors - to no avail. The marsh was summarily land-filled and a hideous monstrosity of an apartment complex was quickly put up.

A decade hence. There are fewer lakes and more malls in the area. The athletes came and went. The birds went and never came. The hideous monstrosity remains hideous. Its called the National Games Village and the area is Koramangala.

PS: Thank you Mr Kalmadi for inflicting the same vandalism on other cities. Those of us who have a long memory expected nothing better from you.