Appalled by Filth & Chaos: Hansal Mehta on Mumbai’s Infrastructure
Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is often referred to as the city that never sleeps. But, is it really livable? Filmmaker Hansal Mehta thinks not, and his recent remarks on the city’s infrastructure have sparked a heated debate. Mehta, known for his thought-provoking films like “CityLights” and “Aligarh”, took to social media to express his frustration with the city’s filth, chaos, and the collective indifference of its residents.
“How long will we continue to live like this?” Mehta asked, addressing the authorities and Mumbaikars alike. His words were a stark reminder of the city’s crumbling infrastructure, overflowing garbage, and congested roads. Mehta’s criticism is not new, but his passion and frustration are palpable. He wrote, “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 sentiments are a reflection of the city’s growing frustration with the state of affairs. Mumbai’s infrastructure has been in a state of crisis for years, with traffic congestion, potholed roads, and overflowing garbage dumps becoming a norm. The city’s residents have grown accustomed to the chaos, but it’s clear that Mehta and many others are at their wit’s end.
One of the primary concerns is the city’s waste management system. Mumbai generates over 11,000 metric tons of waste every day, but the waste management infrastructure is woefully inadequate. The city’s dumping grounds are overflowing, and the air and water are filled with the stench of rotting garbage. Mehta’s criticism of the authorities’ inaction is justified, as they seem to be more interested in profiting from the city’s decay than addressing the root causes of the problem.
Another major issue plaguing the city is traffic congestion. Mumbai’s roads are some of the most congested in the world, with commuters spending hours stuck in traffic every day. The city’s infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle the sheer volume of traffic, and the authorities’ attempts to address the issue have been half-hearted at best. Mehta’s frustration with the city’s traffic is understandable, as it’s clear that the authorities are more interested in lining their pockets than finding a solution to the problem.
Mehta’s criticism is not limited to the authorities alone. He also targeted the city’s residents, saying that they are complicit in the city’s decline. “We, the people, are the ones who let this happen,” he wrote. “We are the ones who tolerate this filth and chaos.” Mehta’s words are a stark reminder that the city’s problems are not solely the responsibility of the authorities. The residents of Mumbai must also take responsibility for their actions, or lack thereof.
Mehta’s criticism has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many residents agreeing with his sentiments. “It’s about time someone spoke up,” wrote one commenter. “We need to stop tolerating this filth and chaos and demand better from our authorities.” Another commenter wrote, “Mehta is right, we are complicit in this city’s decline. We need to take responsibility for our actions and demand change.”
In conclusion, Hansal Mehta’s criticism of Mumbai’s infrastructure is a wake-up call for the city’s residents and authorities alike. The city’s filth and chaos are not acceptable, and it’s time for everyone to take responsibility for addressing these issues. Mehta’s words are a reminder that the city’s problems are not solely the responsibility of the authorities, but also the residents who call it home.
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