Roadside beautification? -Yesterday the hour long journey, from the southern suburb we are guests in, to the city center took two hours and I had ample opportunity to look more closely at our surroundings. It seems a big contrast with New Delhi three years ago that there are far fewer vendors and beggars on the streets at major intersections. I hope this is an indication of improved conditions for everyone, but have a suspicion that it is part of a concerted cleanup effort ahead of the Commonwealth Games this month. Perhaps more so in Mumbai, but I remember underpasses being a refuge and temporary housing for many and now the underpasses around town are freshly planted with attractive greenery. The thought went through my mind that plantings may do well in the monsoon, but what about after that? Will there be an effort to water during the dry season or is this really only seen as a short term beautification measure and are the former residents expected to resume occupancy after the games?