NGO Watchdog Foundation’s 12-point document calls for plantation of 1L trees per ward annually, creation of riverfronts
A view of the heavily polluted Mithi river from Kranti Nagar in Kurla West. FILE PIC/SATEJ SHINDE
The state of the city’s environment, infrastructure, roads, and schools has emerged as a key point of contention in the days leading up to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election. Highlighting the importance of environmental conservation, Mumbai’s Watchdog Foundation has released a 12-point manifesto with tree plantation and riverfront projects among its key asks.
“Every year, the government comes out with circulars that call for tree plantation, but we seldom see them followed through, especially when it comes to the maintenance of trees. This is why I have asked for ward-wise plantation of at least 1,00,000 trees every year, to save our green cover and air quality,” said Nicholas Almeida, a member of the Watchdog Foundation.
A shift to incentivising public transport, creation of public spaces like sports complexes, tax waivers for residents of Koliwadas and Adivasi Padas, nets to prevent nullahs from choking with waste disposals, and limiting movement of commercial vehicles in peak hours were other suggestions the group laid for a cleaner, efficient Mumbai.
Laying emphasis on the pollution-ridden water bodies, the group has drawn parallels between Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati riverfront and Mumbai’s Mithi river. “If other cities can, why can’t Mumbai? The Ahmedabad riverfront has doubled as a way of keeping the river clean while creating a common space for the public. We can model Mumbai’s four rivers after this, too. How long will we call Mithi the ‘black river’?” Almeida added.
While the 12-point manifesto is to be provided to all competing candidates, Almeida will also be contesting the civic poll from the K East ward as an independent candidate.
Points mentioned in document
>> Plantation of one lakh trees annually in each municipal ward
>> Building of Mumbai riverfronts
>> Removal of footpath encroachment
>> Formal hawker rehabilitation
>> Development of public infrastructure
>> Eradication of illegal parking
>> Ban on heavy/commercial vehicle movement during peak hours
>> Property tax waiver
>> Building of Sports complexes
>> Nets over nullahs to prevent waste dumping
>> Incentivisation of public transport
>> Redeveloped airport slums
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