I don't think there was any day left from the two months summer vacations given to us while studying in Campion school when we were ever indoors. We were always outside playing in the sun in parks or slipping to the upper lake with the Dalda tin welded with iron buckles so that we can tie it on our backs and swim.

Bhadbhada appeared to be dangerous as foxes and jackals were frequently sighted so were rabbits in the densely thick forests.

NOBODY KNEW ABOUT KERWA EXCEPT THE BHOPALI SHIKARIS WHO USED TO FREQUENT THE AREA FOR WANT OF GAME, AS THERE WAS NO KNOWN BAN.

Then there were those beautiful heritage buildings such as the Vidhan Sabha (what? was it known as Minto hall?), the Gol Ghar, Taj Mahal, community hall, Pataudi`s palace and so on and so forth. They added to the glamour of the already beautiful Bhopal.

The Government run city buses were comfortable and without any harassment and were considered to be an asset to the public transport system. Later on Sugam bus and trolley bus service were added to the fleet.

Pollution was a term we read only in the Oxford dictionary, advocated to us by our Principal late Fr More. Rains arrived with full precision and showers and we enjoyed it fully. Water scarcity? Forget it.

There was never extreme cold or hot or the blizzards which we frequently see nowadays. Probably these were prevented by the lush green and thick trees.

And after so many years we hear about the myopic decision of bringing these heritage buildings down for constructing a five-star hotel for the benefit of the privileged few and mostly for the politicians themselves at the cost of public exchequer.

We have grown up watching the various species of fish in the aquarium. How sad will be an average old Bhopali seeing these temples of learning and democracy coming down for the privileged few. But I know that it will be done in the name of development as if no space is left on earth except the glorious Minto hall and the aquarium. Those in power have nothing to do with the pulse and feelings of Bhopal. They are neither the residents of Bhopal. They just want a high class Thia for them where they can bargain or carry out their activities as happens in other metros.

I totally agree with MN Buch regarding construction or converting it into a world class convention centre to the likes of Vigyan Bhavan.

Dr Pradeep Chourey