2023 is an important year for the city of Mumbai. The elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation – the prime local governing body are slated to be held this year. Over the course of many years, the politics of Mumbai has been centred over three key pillars.
First, the issue of migration in the city and the ensuing competition for resources, jobs and opportunities between the migrants and the locals. Second, the strong appeal to the past in particular to the rich and cultural Maharashtrian heritage. This also includes the celebration of Marathi language and its usage in various media as well as everyday communication. And finally, the aspirations of the middle class population – securing good education, financial independence, owning a house and so on.
While these issues are valid and have their own place, the dialogue on many civic issues remains inadequate. In this excellent annual report published by non-profit organisation Praja, the gaps are clearly visible. All parameters related to Solid Waste Management, Drainage, Air Quality all seem to be struggling.
At the policy level, most plans by the BMC seem to be in line with global standards of urban development and governance. However, on ground realities are far from perfect. Therefore, in the 2023 elections – parties must focus on some of the priorities below.
Climate Resilient Infrastructure
One bout of heavy rain and the roads get water logged. Next due to constant water logging the roads develop potholes. This causes traffic snarls, hazardous driving conditions. Besides, inundation of low-lying areas can destroy property, cause landslides and consequent problems of mosquitoes and other water borne diseases. It is important therefore to create better roads, a self-functioning drainage system and better quality roads.
Faster & Comfortable Transport
The BEST which runs the internal bus service is often lauded for its affordability and service. However, it still has not tapped into various other services. Metro Feeders, Hop On Hop Of Services, Airport Routes, Routes between western and central suburbs and business hubs such as BKC, Andheri East – Seepz, Powai areas. This is a missed opportunity increasingly being filled by private players.
While diversification in the bus fleet has been done over the past few years, there is potential to do more. Especially connecting the last mile to the central transport lines.
Sanitation
The toilet seat to population ratio is very dismal in public areas as well as slums. Constructing and maintaining more toilet blocks, even in the PPP mode will be beneficial for the citizens. When the toilets are available, the issue of cleanliness remains. This is another health hazard and a missed opportunity. As a modern city corporation, the BMC should consider investing in mechanisms such as self-cleaning toilets at scale.
Open Spaces
As the city grapples with the issue of space – it is important to guard the existing open spaces and prevent encroachment. Well maintained parks, seafronts, lakes and of course the natural forests ought to be preserved. The BMC must consider involving non profits to make the parks and open spaces more attractive while doings its bit to ensure safety, cleanliness and other amenities are available.
As the election fervour begins to set in, it will be interesting to see which parties really pick up the real issues or resort to the old playbook of Mumbai politics.