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 entrepreneurial spirit. However, beneath its glamorous façade lies a city plagued by filth, chaos, and a sense of collective indifference. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has recently expressed his dismay at the state of Mumbai’s infrastructure, criticizing the authorities and residents alike for their inaction.
In a recent interview, Mehta lamented the condition of the city, saying, “I’m appalled by the filth and chaos that we live in. How long will we continue to live like this?” His frustration is palpable, as he points to the authorities’ complacency and the residents’ apathy, stating, “Those in power profit from its decay and dress it up as resilience.”
Mehta’s words are a stark reflection of the reality of life in Mumbai. The city’s infrastructure is crumbling, with overflowing garbage bins, potholed roads, and poorly maintained public transportation systems. The air is thick with pollution, and the streets are often congested with vehicles, pedestrians, and street vendors.
The filmmaker’s criticism is not limited to the authorities, but also extends to the residents of Mumbai. He believes that the collective indifference towards the city’s problems is a major contributing factor to the chaos. “We’re all complicit in this mess,” he says. “We’re all guilty of not doing enough to change the situation.”
Mehta’s frustration is understandable, given the city’s reputation as a hub of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. However, beneath the surface, Mumbai is struggling to keep pace with its own growth, and the consequences are evident in the daily lives of its residents.
One of the most pressing issues facing Mumbai is its waste management system. The city generates over 11,000 tons of waste every day, but only about 30% of it is processed and disposed of properly. The remaining 70% is either dumped in landfills or left on the streets, contributing to the city’s already poor air quality.
The city’s transportation system is another area of concern. The roads are often congested, and the public transportation system is overburdened and poorly maintained. The result is a city that is gridlocked for hours on end, with residents forced to navigate through treacherous roads and crowded public spaces.
Mehta’s criticism of the authorities is also well-founded. The city’s government has been accused of corruption, incompetence, and a lack of accountability, leading to a breakdown in the city’s infrastructure. The city’s residents are often forced to rely on private transportation and other informal solutions, which can be expensive and unreliable.
Despite the challenges facing Mumbai, Mehta remains optimistic about the city’s potential. “I still believe I love this city,” he says. “It’s a city that has the power to change lives, to make dreams come true.” However, he believes that the authorities and residents must work together to address the city’s problems and create a better future for its residents.
Mehta’s words are a call to action, urging the authorities to take responsibility for the city’s infrastructure and the residents to take ownership of the problem. The city’s residents must recognize that the problems facing Mumbai are not just the responsibility of the authorities, but also their own.
In conclusion, Hansal Mehta’s criticism of Mumbai’s infrastructure is a much-needed wake-up call. The city’s problems are complex and multifaceted, requiring a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address. The authorities must take responsibility for the city’s infrastructure, and the residents must take ownership of the problem and work together to create a better future.
