Appalled by Filth & Chaos: Hansal Mehta’s Scathing Critique of Mumbai’s Infrastructure
Mumbai, the city of dreams, has always been a hub of activity, energy, and vibrancy. However, beneath its glamorous façade, the city is struggling with severe infrastructure issues, leaving citizens appalled and frustrated. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, known for his thought-provoking films like “Shahid” and “Aligarh”, has joined the chorus of voices criticizing Mumbai’s “filth and chaos” and the residents’ “collective indifference” towards it.
In a recent statement, Hansal Mehta addressed both the authorities and the residents of Mumbai, saying, “How long will we continue to live like this? I still believe I love this city… But it’s strangled by those in power… They profit from its decay and dress it up as resilience.” His words are a stark reminder of the urgent need for change in the city’s infrastructure.
Mumbai’s infrastructure woes are well-documented. The city’s roads are clogged, its public transport system is inadequate, and its waste management is in shambles. The once-famous Dharavi slum is now a symbol of the city’s neglect, with overflowing sewers and piles of garbage strewn about. The city’s iconic beaches, like Juhu and Versova, are often dirty and littered with plastic waste. The air pollution is a major concern, with the city consistently ranking among the most polluted in the world.
Despite the dire situation, many Mumbaikars seem to have developed a collective indifference towards the city’s filth and chaos. They have become accustomed to the noise, the dirt, and the congestion, resigning themselves to the fact that this is just the way it is. However, Hansal Mehta’s words are a wake-up call, urging citizens to take responsibility for their city and demand better from those in power.
The authorities, too, have been criticized for their inaction and lack of accountability. Despite numerous promises to improve the city’s infrastructure, little has been done to address the problems. The city’s development is often prioritized over the needs of its citizens, with projects like the Coastal Road and the Mumbai Metro being touted as solutions to the city’s traffic woes. However, these projects have been plagued by delays, cost overruns, and corruption.
The city’s residents, too, are complicit in the problem. Many are guilty of littering, spitting, and urinating in public, contributing to the city’s filth and chaos. The lack of civic sense and responsibility among residents is a major factor in the city’s decline. Hansal Mehta’s words are a reminder that the city’s problems cannot be solved by the authorities alone, but require a collective effort from all citizens.
So, what can be done to address Mumbai’s infrastructure woes? For starters, the authorities need to prioritize the needs of the city’s citizens over the interests of developers and politicians. This means investing in public transport, improving waste management, and addressing the city’s air pollution. The city’s residents, too, need to take responsibility for their actions and adopt a culture of civic sense and responsibility.
The city’s development should be centered around the needs of its citizens, rather than the interests of those in power. This means prioritizing affordable housing, quality education, and healthcare over luxury projects and commercial developments. The city’s infrastructure should be designed to serve the needs of its citizens, rather than catering to the whims of developers and politicians.
In conclusion, Hansal Mehta’s scathing critique of Mumbai’s infrastructure is a much-needed wake-up call. The city’s filth and chaos are a symptom of a broader problem, one that requires a collective effort from all citizens and those in power. The city’s residents need to take responsibility for their actions and demand better from those in power. The authorities need to prioritize the needs of the city’s citizens over the interests of developers and politicians. Only then can Mumbai become the city it once was, a city that is loved and respected by its citizens.
