I have spent most of my 25 odd years in different cities in India (including a short stint in international waters). Fortunately, I haven’t stayed anywhere long enough to lose perspective on things. But more about that later. This blog is about Mumbai. I had stayed in Mumbai for quite some time before moving to Gods own campus in Gods own country. However, when I returned, I felt a strange bonding with the city because I knew I have to spend most of my life here (unless I move out to major financial hubs like New York or London.) So this made me think more deeply about the city than I had ever cared to in past. Here are the two things that bother me.
First, the transport system of this city is already dead and buried. I am sure that in developed countries if we transport animals like we transport people in Mumbai, we will be in serious violation of law. We might even face prison terms for cruelty to animals. However it didn’t surprise me much. (What shocked me was the thought that I will have to continue traveling by train for at least next five years till I can fund a home at driving distance from my Colaba office.)
What did surprise me was the realization that this city is a pile of filth! I had never noticed this before. May be because I never thought I will have to spend my life in this city or may be the city wasn’t so filthy. But the truth is Mumbai can win the award for dirtiest city in the world without a doubt. The irony is that in the same city private spaces are so neat and clean. However, as a rule, public places are full of garbage. Add to that our insurmountable love for pets. So, early in the morning you have to watch your steps carefully if you don’t want to skid on some cute doggy’s shit! And don’t fool yourself, pet lovers not only use footpaths, they often use platforms and roads! So walk as carefully as you drive- don’t be under influence of alcohol or strong medicines and never use mobiles.
I am looking for one square feet of mumbai, which is really clean. Till date I have had no success. Please let me know if you find such a piece of sacred land. Till then, as they say, wherever you go stinking garbage follows you!
First, the transport system of this city is already dead and buried. I am sure that in developed countries if we transport animals like we transport people in Mumbai, we will be in serious violation of law. We might even face prison terms for cruelty to animals. However it didn’t surprise me much. (What shocked me was the thought that I will have to continue traveling by train for at least next five years till I can fund a home at driving distance from my Colaba office.)
What did surprise me was the realization that this city is a pile of filth! I had never noticed this before. May be because I never thought I will have to spend my life in this city or may be the city wasn’t so filthy. But the truth is Mumbai can win the award for dirtiest city in the world without a doubt. The irony is that in the same city private spaces are so neat and clean. However, as a rule, public places are full of garbage. Add to that our insurmountable love for pets. So, early in the morning you have to watch your steps carefully if you don’t want to skid on some cute doggy’s shit! And don’t fool yourself, pet lovers not only use footpaths, they often use platforms and roads! So walk as carefully as you drive- don’t be under influence of alcohol or strong medicines and never use mobiles.
I am looking for one square feet of mumbai, which is really clean. Till date I have had no success. Please let me know if you find such a piece of sacred land. Till then, as they say, wherever you go stinking garbage follows you!
By the way, here is a suggestion for our chief minister. If you only want a catchy slogan you can continue with Sanghai or new york or whatever sounds good. But if you are serious about improving things lets begin by making Mumbai Delhi (or even humble Calicut).
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5 comments:
I do agree with you on many a argument, but buddy, we, the inhabitants, also have a duty towards the cleanliness of our surrounding, which many of us fail to abide by...right, without which it will continue to remain filthy
Thanks for the comment dude. You have a very valid point. However i havent fixed the blames on anyone in the blog. i have just decribed the reality as i see it ( with my own glasses which may be coloured! )
very very true man.. on a slightly different note, look at the crowds everywhere during rush hours!! its maddening. ppl who live even in other metros in india are sure to get a culture shock. and to just bring a little solace to mumbaikars' parking woes, ur honorable and very well informed mayor ms shubha raul wants to convert one of the last surviving lung spaces - mahalakshmi racecourse into a parking lot!!! beat that if u can
A couple of things...
During rush hours I found the Paris metro as crowded and the crowds as unruly as our very own Mumbai. Guess our worst comes out when resources are on a premium...
Making Mumbai Delhi is also far fetched. It was not the delhi government which initated the change in delhi but rather it was the judicial activisim (CNG, Unauthorised constructions etc etc)
For all I care for, dont think there is any hope for mumbai coz the populace here has resigned to their fate and they simply don't act (Or why there hasn't been a PIL on the shocking rail system, I've seen ppl travel on roofs of electric trains!!!)
valid points mithun and ankp. would touch upon some of these issues in next blog. By the way i dont think that mumbai people have actually resigned to their fate- inactivity is a combination of many factors, including arrogance, ignorance and political propaganda. will elaborate in next blog.
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