During the meeting, residents demanded that the candidates address long-pending civic issues, including broken and encroached footpaths, illegal hawkers, debris dumping, pollution, development of education facilities such as schools and colleges, and zero tolerance for corruption
Residents at the meeting on Sunday with a video camera to record statements. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Residents of St Anthony Street Welfare Association from the Vakola-Kalina area, along with members of the Voice of Kalina Association, invited all candidates contesting Ward No. 91 in the upcoming BMC elections for a meeting on Sunday evening.
During the meeting, residents demanded that the candidates address long-pending civic issues, including broken and encroached footpaths, illegal hawkers, debris dumping, pollution, development of education facilities such as schools and colleges, and zero tolerance for corruption.
The residents took written and video-recorded assurances from all candidates, stating that if elected, they would resolve these issues. Speaking with mid-day, all candidates said they had promised to address these concerns after winning the election. The residents said they wanted to understand the candidates’ views and intentions so they could vote accordingly.
Points raised by residents
>> In some areas (Kalina, Sunder Nagar, Vakola Naka, Kurla-Kalina Road, and Santacruz), roads are repeatedly dug up; even after completion of work, proper reinstatement is not carried out, resulting in traffic congestion, increased risk of accidents, and inconvenience
>> Several illegal constructions and encroachments have come up in the Kalina area, which need to be stopped
>> Sunder Nagar Garden and surrounding areas lack adequate lighting, and many walls are broken, making it unsafe for women, children, and senior citizens; immediate repairs and installation of lights are needed
>> Need for transparency with proper coordination among BMC departments before initiating any work
>> Despite a government circular mandating public grievance days on Mondays and Fridays, the assistant commissioner of H East ward is usually unavailable and does not meet citizens. The new candidate must ensure availability of the assistant commissioner to address public grievances
Resident Speak
Melwyn Fernandes
‘After winning elections, nobody comes forward to help. That is why the welfare association and residents decided to meet candidates, record their assurances on video, and take written commitments from them’
Russell Moraes
‘We wanted to understand what the candidates think and believe in. We need encroachment-free footpaths, proper street lights, and CCTV cameras along roads’
Candidate Speak
Krishna Vasudev Mhadgut, Shiv Sena (UBT)
‘Once I win, I will definitely fulfil all the demands of the residents. First, the residents should question what the earlier winning candidates did for them. We have the support of Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, and we will deliver’
Shagun Naik, Shiv Sena
‘We have resolved many problems in the area and will continue to do so. Whatever comes under the BMC, we will solve all issues. It is our duty, and we will work honestly. I promise all residents of Vakola-Kalina’
Mohammad Rafique Shaikh, Indian National Congress
‘I have won elections three times and have good knowledge of the area and its problems. There are issues such as low water pressure, traffic congestion, and inadequate BMC hospital facilities. Students are not opting for BMC schools due to their poor condition. We will improve schools so that more students enrol. I promise the residents that I will fulfil all their demands’
Raj Hegiste, Independent
‘I have been a social worker for the last 20 years. I enjoy helping people, and my focus is mainly on youth. I promise all citizens that I will fulfil all their demands’
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