Mumbai

Mumbai has always been wearing the tag of a claustrophobic concrete jungle since many years. The enthusiastic but haphazard making of the city has left us striving for the elusive inch everywhere. Preservation of open spaces or their utilisation for recreational purposes increases the quality of the city lifestyle. But what we observe is  that Open spaces are a rarity nowadays.

According to me, the key to make opens spaces available to Mumbaikars lies in the hands of Mumbaikars themselves! Careful planning and utilisation of space has become the need of the hour. In this era of 'redevelopment' all future projects should be in accordance with the civic authorities. Sector system as in Chandigarh or division into avenues can be implemented wherever possible. Multi-storeyed parking may seem far-fetched but in places like Malls and shopping centres it can save precious space. Architectural skills used in interaction with environmental conditions will give the city a pleasurable look. Proper planting of trees will result in beautification of cities without compromising on the space available. Industrialists must be encouraged to help in the construction of parks and playgrounds and also increase plantations.

Hawkers present a big threat to the open spaces in the city and affect almost all of us. Strict guidelines and setting up of hawking zones will be helpful. An alert Mumbaikar should take up this matter instead of bearing a callous attitude and constantly blaming the civic authorities and the government. We often see people littering open spaces, playgrounds and parks,animals roaming here and there. Although it’s not an overnight change, if all Mumbaikars develop a better vision, 20-30 yrs down,Mumbai will join the ranks of great well organised cities.Utilisation of available civic amenities and keeping them beautiful will go a long way in the progress of the city.Quality of the open spaces increases the local property value.It also encourages tourism and boosts the economy. The availability of open space also provides significant environmental quality and health benefits.

Richard Rogers,an architect once said, “Everyone has the right to walk from one end of the city to the other in secure and beautiful spaces.Everybody has the right to an unhampered view down their street, not full of railings, signs and rubbish.” Lets us set the wheels rolling from today itself and strive towards this right of ours, the right of Mumbaikar’s.