Over 500 citizens vented their frustration at the governments inability to tackle life in Mumbai post the floods at a public meeting organised by AGNI at Sacred Heart School, Santacruz.

Apart from citywide AGNI representatives, the two-hour meet was attended by Arup Patnaik, city joint commissioner of police, law and order, Suresh Shetty, Congress MLA and minister of state, Ashish Shellar, BJP corporator and Chandrashekhar Prabhu, housing expert.

While most addressing the meet complained about the authorities lack of co-ordination and inability to cope with the situation, government representatives emphasised the need for citizens and officials to work together in harmony at this point.

DN Sukthankar, AGNI vice-chairman, says, We need to decentralise power to make local management more effective. Officials acknowledged their failure, but pointed out that the situation was beyond their control. Arup Patnaik says the force is short-staffed. We also didnt have the equipment, like boats, he explains.

People who attended the meet were quite enthused. Bharat Nayar, Khar resident, says, I think it was a fantastic meeting. But I am sure nothing will change in immediately.

What was discussed

No official action plan
No co-ordination among officials-NGOs
Few cops on streets
Inability to predict rain
Relief distribution flawed

What is needed

An elected citizens rep to oversee city welfare
An independent relief distribution network

ashutosh.shukla@mid-day.com