Appalled by Filth & Chaos: Hansal Mehta on Mumbai’s Infrastructure
Mumbai, the city of dreams, is a place where people from all over the country flock to chase their aspirations. However, amidst the glamour and glitz, lies a stark reality. The city is plagued by filth, chaos, and a collective indifference from its residents. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, known for his thought-provoking films, has recently spoken out against the state of Mumbai’s infrastructure, addressing both the authorities and the residents.
In an interview, Hansal Mehta expressed his disappointment and frustration with the condition of Mumbai. He stated, “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 echo the sentiments of many Mumbaikars who have grown accustomed to the daily struggles of navigating the city’s congested streets, overflowing drains, and garbage-filled alleys.
Mehta’s criticism is not without merit. Mumbai is a city that is home to over 12 million people, and yet, it struggles to provide even the most basic amenities to its residents. The city’s infrastructure is crumbling, with potholed roads, broken footpaths, and inadequate public transportation. The situation is further exacerbated by the lack of accountability from those in power.
The filmmaker’s comments have sparked a much-needed debate on the issue, with many calling for immediate action to be taken to address the city’s problems. However, it is not just the authorities who share the blame, but also the residents themselves. Mehta’s criticism of the collective indifference of Mumbaikars towards the city’s woes is a harsh but necessary reminder of the role that individuals play in shaping the city they live in.
Mumbai’s problems are not new, but the lack of progress in addressing them is. The city has been plagued by issues such as traffic congestion, air pollution, and water scarcity for decades. Despite numerous promises from government officials to improve the situation, little has been done to tackle these problems. The result is a city that is increasingly unlivable, with residents struggling to cope with the daily challenges of living in Mumbai.
Mehta’s criticism is not just limited to the physical infrastructure of the city. He has also targeted the “collective indifference” of Mumbaikars towards the city’s problems. He believes that it is the responsibility of every individual to take ownership of the city and work towards making it a better place to live. He wrote, “We need to take responsibility for our actions and our city. We need to stop blaming the government and the system and start taking ownership.”
Mehta’s words are a call to action for Mumbaikars to come together and demand change. It is time for residents to stop accepting the subpar conditions and demand better from their leaders. The filmmaker’s criticism is not just a critique of the city, but also a reminder of the power that lies within every individual to shape the city they live in.
In conclusion, Hansal Mehta’s criticism of Mumbai’s infrastructure is a wake-up call for both the authorities and the residents. It is a reminder of the importance of taking ownership of the city and working towards making it a better place to live. The city’s problems are not insurmountable, but they will require a collective effort from all stakeholders to address. Mehta’s words are a call to action, urging Mumbaikars to come together and demand change.
