If you've lived long enough in Mumbai, then you'd be feeling the hurt that so many of us feel today when we look at the state of the city. Physically and morally, the city is changing and it's becoming obvious that it's not for the better - although a majority of us may still not be sure.
Look around us and we see signs of "development". The trees are giving away for wider roads. The footpaths are being occupied by vendors of all kinds to ensure we can shop as we walk. Skyscrapers are now visible even in the farthest suburbs. Malls are sprouting up at almost every corner for our shopping convenience. There are vehicles everywhere - people appear so much better-dressed - most of the eating joints have a queue in the evenings - everyone seems to be having a good time.
Imagine a "development" in the opposite direction, though.
Imagine if the government started planting more trees. A line of trees on all the main arterial roads of Mumbai - LBS Road, SV Road, MG Road - how would that feel? Imagine if all - all roads on Mumbai had footpaths where at least 2 people can walk side-by-side without having to jumpinto oncoming traffic? Imagine if all bus-stops had weather-protection. Imagine if every residential building had a mandatory area just for playing. Imagine if all malls had a sports section where people can take part in physical activities apart from shopping. Imagine if drinking water was available free at railway stations and bus stops. Imagine if we had a world-class public transport system that allowed people to travel safely and with dignity. Imagine ....
I feel, given an option, the majority of us would like to see development as listed in the latter paragraph. I'm sure that's how I'd like to see Mumbai "develop"- rather than just see "commercial growth" happen in the name of development. And commercial growth at the cost of many equally and at times more important factors.
I would like to do something about it. By something, I mean, do something that is actionable rather than just exchange views and ideas and hope that others will execute it. Even if it's just one person at a time, I think the city will develop right only if right-minded people decide to take action instead of wishing things would change.
