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 fast-paced lifestyle. However, behind the glamour and glitz, lies a city struggling to cope with its own infrastructure woes. The city’s residents, including its citizens and authorities, are grappling with the consequences of neglect and apathy. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, known for his thought-provoking films, has expressed his dismay and frustration with the city’s filth and chaos, addressing both the authorities and Mumbaikars.
In a recent article, Hansal Mehta called out the collective indifference of Mumbaikars towards the city’s infrastructure, stating, “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 reflection of the frustration and disappointment that many Mumbaikars feel when confronted with the city’s deplorable conditions.
Mumbai’s infrastructure is plagued by a plethora of issues, including overflowing garbage, clogged roads, and ailing public transportation. The city’s residents are often forced to navigate through treacherous streets, dodging potholes and debris, just to get to their destinations. The once-thriving public transport system has become a nightmare, with buses and trains often running late or breaking down, leaving commuters stranded.
The city’s civic authorities have been criticized for their lack of initiative and accountability in addressing these issues. Despite promises of improvement, the city’s infrastructure continues to deteriorate, and the residents are left to suffer. The situation is made worse by the city’s rapid growth and increasing population, which puts a strain on the already fragile infrastructure.
Hansal Mehta’s words are a wake-up call for both the authorities and the residents of Mumbai. The city’s infrastructure is a reflection of its people, and it is only through collective effort and responsibility that it can be improved. The authorities must take concrete steps to address the issues plaguing the city, while the residents must also take ownership of their city’s infrastructure and demand change.
One of the primary issues facing Mumbai’s infrastructure is the lack of waste management. The city generates a staggering amount of waste, and the existing waste management systems are inadequate to handle it. The result is overflowing garbage on streets, choking drains, and polluting the air. The city’s residents are often forced to live in the midst of this filth, which not only affects their health but also their quality of life.
Another significant issue is the city’s transportation system. The public transport system is in shambles, and the city’s residents are forced to rely on private vehicles, which contributes to the city’s notorious traffic congestion. The authorities must take steps to improve the public transport system, including increasing the frequency of buses and trains, and providing adequate infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.
The city’s roads are also in a state of disrepair. The once-thriving roads are now pockmarked with potholes, and the city’s residents are forced to navigate through treacherous streets. The authorities must take steps to repair and maintain the city’s roads, and also take measures to prevent new potholes from forming.
Despite the challenges facing Mumbai’s infrastructure, there is hope for improvement. The city’s residents are increasingly demanding change, and the authorities are slowly taking steps to address the issues. The recent introduction of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is a step in the right direction, as it aims to improve the city’s infrastructure and provide a better quality of life for its residents.
In conclusion, Hansal Mehta’s words are a stark reminder of the city’s infrastructure woes. The city’s residents must take ownership of their city’s infrastructure and demand change. The authorities must also take concrete steps to address the issues plaguing the city. Only through collective effort and responsibility can Mumbai’s infrastructure be improved, and the city’s residents can enjoy a better quality of life.
