Residents of Aarey and Kalyan point to pressing civic issues, including inconsistent water supply, littered service roads dominated by tour buses, and poorly maintained streets in Rambaug. They emphasize the need for authorities to address these basic infrastructure and sanitation concerns to improve daily life
Representation Pic/Istock
Let’s start with water
There are many issues in Aarey, starting with accepting the objections of the tribal residents with regards to development in the region. However, if I had to pick, it would be improving the water supply. It is the most basic need for a Mumbaikar. Though some padas receive water, others still struggle to get enough water to get by. That is not too much to ask for.
Manoj Dhinde, 24, musician, Maroshi Pada, Aarey
Unpleasant morning views
If I had the choice, I would guide them from the Aarey signal to the Gokul Anand Hotel. The service road I use for my morning walks is taken over by tour buses. There are gutkha stains, and refuse from the buses. Sometimes, the bus drivers take a bath right there. That sight is something I would like them to enjoy as well.
Bageshree Satam, 63, homemaker, Borivli
Join the rush hour commute
I would take my representatives down the lanes of Rambaug in Kalyan to show them the condition of the roads. It won’t be a surprise because everyone has known about them.
A traffic jam outside the western exit of Kalyan railway station. Pic/Atul Kamble
In fact, it would be good to just visit Kalyan railway station during the rush hour to witness how the blocked roads and construction makes it difficult to access and move from one spot to another. Citizens do not ask for much, just basic civic amenities.
Tanishi Masand, 20, student, Kalyan
Breathless in Sion
Sion has the same problem as the rest of the city — dust pollution caused by construction debris. I would like to join my representative and spend a day along the roads of Sion West, and show them how construction rules are flouted by RMC (Ready mix Concrete) trucks that pass through all day — they are supposed to move through the roads only during the night.
Exposed construction debris near KJ Somaiya Hospital (right) and Air force Quarters in Sion. Pics Courtesy/Ashok Kurmi
Then, there is the matter of uncovered debris across sites that add to the pollution and leads to breathing issues. I’d like them to share our experiences.
Ashok Kurmi, 41, social worker, Sion
Get the basics right, please
Do we really need more infrastructure projects? The ordinary Thanekar is mainly bothered by traffic and dust pollution. I would take them on a walk down Ghodbunder Road, and show how the service road itself has been removed.
The heavy traffic on Ghodbunder Road, and the absence of a pedestrian service road is posing risks to residents. Pic/Nimesh Dave
I wonder whose idea that was? In addition to cutting down the trees, it puts pedestrians at risk from oncoming traffic. There are no footpaths. Get the basics right — roads, water supply and safety, please.
Parag Phadnis, 58, entrepreneur, Thane
Pedestrian-friendly walkways
Thankfully, Worli is a smaller and better maintained constituency. But if I had to take my representative to a place, it would be to the connecting steps between Annie Besant Road and Pochkhanwala Road. They are not well maintained, lack proper lighting, and some are of unequal size. Everyone who has to get to Pochkhanwala Road has to use this alley: whether they are the residents of the Worli Police Quarters, people passing through the Mahalaxmi Station, or the new Aqua Line Metro Station. Apart from this, I would show them the misalignment of the zebra crossings in Worli. Maintaining walkways, and pedestrian access to roads is our main concern.
Chaitanya Prabhu, 27, NGO founder, Worli
Take a walk on the rough side
The broken and encroached footpaths (left) force children to dodge traffic on the main road every day. Pic Courtesy/BRCF
There are many places, but we wish to invite the corporator to walk even 100 metres with residents after winning elections. They will be walking on the Bhulabhai Desai Road. Pavements and side strips are encroached, and made dirty by vendors.
We have been asking for a long time for encroachers to be removed, to make Breach Candy walkable again. Senior citizens and children have to walk down the main roads, and cannot use the pavements. We have broken pavements in most places, and the ones that exist are encroached.
Nandini Chabria, 57, office bearer, Breach Candy ALM, core member, Breach Candy Residents Forum
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