Government's first job is to protect citizens

Updated On: 21 January, 2019 05:45 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day correspondent

The authorities must make good on their promise to rebuild a chowkie, if not at the same spot, then perhaps a close enough alternative site. This vexatious wrangle needs a solution acceptable to all three sides

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If citizens feel unsafe, it is the authorities' responsibility to do whatever it takes to change that. And yet, we see the powers that be ignore this very basic duty. In Dharavi, residents have felt unsafe ever since the civic body tore down a beloved police chowkie.

The chowkie was an effective counter and deterrent for crime, particularly because of its strategic location. Locals claim there has been a spike in crime ever since the chowkie was demolished. There have been complaints of sexual harassment and mobile snatching. First established in 2001, beat chowkie number 1 was damaged during the making of a nullah, and the BMC had demolished it with the promise of rebuilding it. Six months on, the Corporation is yet to make good on that promise.