Appalled by Filth & Chaos: Hansal Mehta on Mumbai’s Infrastructure
Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is known for its vibrant culture, bustling streets, and never-ending energy. However, despite its grandeur, the city is plagued by a plethora of problems, including filth, chaos, and poor infrastructure. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta recently spoke out against the city’s appalling conditions, questioning the authorities and residents’ collective indifference towards the issue.
In an interview with News18, Hansal Mehta expressed his frustration and disappointment with the state of Mumbai’s infrastructure. He stated that the city is “strangled by those in power” and that they profit from its decay, dressing it up as resilience. Mehta’s words echoed the sentiments of many Mumbaikars who are tired of living in a city that is constantly plagued by garbage, traffic jams, and poor living conditions.
Mehta’s criticism is not unfounded. Mumbai is one of the most populous cities in the world, with over 12 million people calling it home. The city’s infrastructure is under immense pressure, and it is clear that the authorities are struggling to keep up with the demands of its growing population. The streets are often littered with trash, the public transportation system is inadequate, and the air quality is poor. It is no wonder that Mehta feels that the city is “strangled by those in power” who are more interested in profiting from the city’s decay than in working to improve its infrastructure.
Mehta’s frustration is not limited to the city’s infrastructure. He is also critical of the residents’ collective indifference towards the issue. He believes that everyone, including the authorities and residents, is complicit in the city’s decline. “How long will we continue to live like this?” he asked. “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.”
Mehta’s words are a stark reminder that the problem of Mumbai’s infrastructure is not just a matter of poor planning or inadequate resources. It is also a matter of attitude and priorities. The city’s residents, including those in power, have a responsibility to work together to improve the city’s infrastructure and living conditions. It is not enough to simply criticize the authorities and blame them for the city’s problems. It is time for everyone to take responsibility and work towards creating a better future for the city.
Mehta’s criticism of Mumbai’s infrastructure is not without precedent. In recent years, there have been several high-profile reports and documentaries that have highlighted the city’s problems. These reports have shown the devastating impact of the city’s pollution, traffic jams, and poor living conditions on its residents. They have also highlighted the need for urgent action to address these problems and improve the city’s infrastructure.
One such report was the “State of India’s Environment” report released by the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) in 2020. The report ranked India 177 out of 180 countries in terms of environmental performance, with Mumbai being one of the cities that was highlighted as being in need of urgent attention. The report noted that the city’s air quality is among the worst in the world, with 95% of its residents breathing polluted air.
Another report, “The State of India’s Cities” report released by the McKinsey Global Institute in 2019, highlighted the need for urban planning and infrastructure development in Indian cities, including Mumbai. The report noted that the city’s infrastructure is under immense pressure, with its population expected to grow by 50% by 2030. The report recommended that the city invest in public transportation, housing, and sanitation to address its infrastructure challenges.
Mehta’s words are a call to action, urging the authorities and residents to work together to improve the city’s infrastructure and living conditions. It is time for everyone to take responsibility and work towards creating a better future for the city.
In conclusion, Hansal Mehta’s criticism of Mumbai’s infrastructure is a stark reminder of the city’s problems and the need for urgent action to address them. The city’s residents, including those in power, have a responsibility to work together to improve the city’s infrastructure and living conditions. It is time for everyone to take responsibility and work towards creating a better future for the city.
