The Hindu Business Line : Mumbai's makeover

This is with reference to the article "Creating cities within metros" (Business Line, August 22). Here is a summary of the problem areas and possible solutions. The first and foremost reason why Mumbai is in such bad shape is because those who benefit and have benefited in the past from the infrastructure in the city are not ready to pay for its use. An example is the tax-shy rich landlords of South Mumbai. Yet another instance are vehicle owners who contribute to congestion busy areas of the city, but who are unwilling to pay a congestion fee.

Infrastructure problems such as poorly maintained roads plague the rapidly-growing western suburbs.

Priority should, therefore, be given to considerably improve the rail and road transport no matter what the cost.

Inequitable distribution of water is another area of concern. The supply of cheap manual labour means very low, below subsistence level wages. Those who do want to employ people particularly from South Mumbai must, as the article rightly points out, pay a tax, the proceeds of which would go improving the living conditions of these people. The recent floods are a reminder that a proper and efficient drainage system is imperative. Mumbai may not be on par with Shanghai or Sydney, but it can be made a liveable city that hangs on to its old-world charm while projecting a modern outlook.

Narendra M. Apte

Mumbai

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