Transformations of any place or neighbourhood always impact its ecology. Once nothing but an empty DDA land growing tall wild grass up to the river is now under the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for constructing a Water Treatment Plant (WTP). The land has a few Keekar trees, which reside many birds like the greater coucal, crows, sparrows, mynas, and occasionally owls and migratory birds during the winter. The ground also provides a home for squirrels, small snakes, mongooses and other critters. Since 2022, the DJB has acquired the land to construct WTP to supply water to the neighbourhood. The onset of clearing the land and the start of construction work led to a decline in the spotting of these creatures. It is almost as if they have either left or died as their homes were destroyed. Many Keekar trees and their branches have also been broken due to the aggressive movement of the excavators. These pictures display a difference of one year, and there are still many changes to occur. The establishment and commencement of the WTP will change the neighbourhood's ecology even more. They are discharging various types of pollutants, perhaps making it a toxic environment for these birds and animals and the neighbourhood's residents. The only hope is that the neighbourhood might start receiving a proper water supply, their fundamental right, but at what cost? Location: Dhobi Ghat, Jamia Nagar-Okhla, New Delhi. August 2021. Location: Dhobi Ghat, Jamia Nagar-Okhla, New Delhi. August 2022.

The informal sector witnesses the maximum interdependencies. Perhaps, it becomes essential to make these connections. For instance, in my neighbourhood, a seasonal street hawker sells fruits, especially bananas, in the summer and egg dishes in the winter. He puts up his pushcart on the streets without appropriate business, financial or technical skills. Though it is a mixed-used of buildings neighbourhood, implying most ground floors are used for renting out shops, it allows the street vendors to conduct their businesses without much authority questioning them. Some younger vendors sell face masks and momos on the street next to that seasonal vendor. In today’s time, many customers prefer paying through an online banking mode. This becomes an issue for the seasonal vendor since he doesn’t even own a smartphone. Here, the younger vendors help him. They ask the seasonal vendor’s customers to pay them the charge for his goods, and in return, they provide him with the cash. It is quick and efficient and allows the seasonal vendor to continue his business even in changing times.