City: Mumbai

Historically, Mumbai developed, progressed and got urbanised from the southern to the northern regions. This evolution encompassed the establishment of essential institutions such as schools, hospitals, government offices, and soon. However, as the cost of living in the southern parts or SOBO (south Bombay) escalated over the years, population settled in northern suburbs, commuting to work in the south. While this demographic shift might signify growth, it also highlights a challenge: the disparity between basic infrastructure availability and the overall well-being of citizens residing in these areas. As the urban population expanded northward, the existing amenities such as hospitals, did…

It’s been more than two years since Vimal Gorakhnath Shinde retired, after working for over 30 years as a community health worker (CHW) with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). After spending a lifetime doing this work for the civic body, she did not anticipate that she would have to fight to be recognised as an employee and wait endlessly for a pension. She is one of 3700 health workers, who have been demanding to be recognised as employees, so that they get basic benefits such as pension. Vimal's eyes well up as she talks about her journey. Starting at 9.30…

In its earlier avatar, Mumbai was known as ‘Heptanesia’, denoting a collective of seven islands, as named by Ptolemy in 150 AD. With the city being transformed from a cluster of islands into a unified mass in early 18th century, its enduring connection to the coastline beholds captivating marine biodiversity that lies right at our doorstep.  There exists a facet of Mumbai that remains shadowed within the towering buildings and lost between the burgeoning crowds. Often hailed as a ‘city that never sleeps’, it also holds a hidden truth: its shores too remain in a perpetual state of wakefulness.  The…

More than 2400 families from tenements of BDD chawls, have shifted to transit camps over the past year. This is less than half of the number of 5104 tenements meant to be relocated in the Phase-I of the relocation process. While many families from over 16,000 houses will be relocated as part of the BDD redevelopment project, some might opt for rental accommodation on their, and some will shift to their own redeveloped houses as they get ready. If the scale of the project is not overwhelming enough, the initial experiences of residents at transit camps have added to the…

Citizens' hunger strike makes BMC act After protesting for months, Chandivali citizens got some positive response as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation finally floated a tender for the incomplete 90-feet road. The residents have been complaining for a long time that the 90 feet road needs to be completed. The area around the road is congested and the two alternate routes Chandivali farm road and DP 9 road, are choked and full of potholes. The 90-feet road in Chandivali is used for parking instead of commute. Such incomplete projects lead to worsening of traffic and pollution in the area. Pic: CCWA…

The redevelopment of the historic Bombay Development Directorate (BDD) chawls in Central Mumbai has been in the news for the longest time. But it is finally underway and will be one of the biggest relocation and redevelopment exercises in the city. The cluster of buildings has over 16,000 families in 195 chawls spread over 86.98 acres. Despite the promises and plans of much bigger and better houses, an atmosphere of anxiety and nervousness pervades among BDD residents, who are worried that things are not shaping up as promised. Their anxiety stems from a wide range of concerns from complaints of…

The system of sharing autorickshaw rides with unknown fellow passengers travelling on the same route, may seem a win-win solution for citizens, as they're convenient, quick and pocket-friendly; and also for auto drivers as they get good money. But it does not always work so smoothly.  Many shared auto stands are run illegally, especially near suburban railway stations. The auto drivers overcharge the commuters and as many as four to five passengers, when only three are allowed. With metered autorickshaws refusing to ply on those routes, commuters do not have much choice.  An estimated 2.5 lakh autorickshaws ply in suburban…

The Mumbai Traffic Police declared the 9th and 16th of August this month as 'No Honking Day.' In a metropolis like Mumbai, where people spend hours in traffic, honking has become a habit that refuses to go. Not only is honking ineffective to navigate the traffic, it is also a major contributor for noise pollution on Mumbai roads. According to WHO, noise levels above 65 DB are classified as noise pollution. Worst affected junctions  Some of the worst affected areas in Mumbai are Sakinaka junction, Md. Rafi Chowk, Bandra West, Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk or Churchgate Junction, Vatsalabai Desai Chowk or Haji…

Reena Pimenta, a 62-year-old resident of Ghatkopar, resides alone in an apartment located around five kilometers away from her daughter's home. Her daughter lives with her in-laws and a 5-year-old son. Since the passing of her husband two years ago, Reena's solitary living has been a challenge. "I cannot go and live with my daughter, it doesn't feel right. So, I've created my own small world here to keep myself occupied." Reena finds companionship with a group of senior citizens from her residential society, who go for morning walks and gather for chit-chat sessions in the evenings. These social interactions,…

Eighteen deaths in a day at public hospital Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital (CSMH) located at Kalwa saw an unprecedented death toll in a span of mere 24 hours with 18 patients losing their life due to various reasons. Nearly 70% of the deaths that occurred were above the age group of 50 years. Of the 18 deceased, 10 were women and eight men. The relatives of patients claimed lack of attention and shortage of staff as the cause of death. The opposition demanded a thorough investigation into the incident. “This is an unfortunate incident and we have taken it very…