The unforeseen deluge in July was a wake-up call for every single inhabitant of the country’s throbbing, multilayered metropolis. Now, that the crisis has abated – perhaps temporarily – Verve organised a mini symposium comprising like-minded citizens to share their concerns and disquiet on causes dear to their hearts. Nupur Mahajan Sinh narrates to you what went on behind this closed door meeting, so that you know just where we stand today and how all Mumbaiites can contribute to reinstating this city as a world capital

(L-R): Samar Halarnkar, Raell Padamsee, Bittu Sehgal, Bachi Karkaria, Tasneem Mehta

We called upon fellow citizens of Mumbai; concerned citizens, to sit across a table and come to some common ground, which could then be deemed the start. This eclectic group has been championing causes close to its heart – these are voices heard, viewpoints respected and adhered to. Verve decided to play intermediary and get them to share and debate individual causes to finally emerge with a common charter for the larger good.

The panel:

Bachi Karkaria, National Metro Editor, The Times of India

Bittu Sehgal, environmentalist, Editor, Sanctuary

Raell Padamsee, eminent theatre personality

Samar Halarnkar, Editor, Indian Express

Tasneem Mehta, Convenor, INTACH

Anuradha Mahindra, Editor and Publisher, Verve

There has been much talk of appointing a CEO for Mumbai?

Bachi and Anuradha

Bachi: I think the idea was (suggested) more in terms of the concept, that you take it from the corporate world. We wanted to know what was in the corporate sphere that we could pull out to define the job description of this person. But, I think even before that we need to spell out what we want, what our needs are, what we need to do on an acute basis, what we need to do on a chronic basis…you know, long term, short term. And then say, now, how can we fit the person and the concept into this: formulate the job and add on the powers, the responsibilities, and the budget….

Nupur and Bachi

Samar: I don’t agree with this CEO business. I think that you are catering to a very small section of people who are largely centered around South Mumbai and maybe some Western suburbs. It just does not work. A CEO is not elected. An elected Mayor perhaps, yes that might work. The point is more people need to be involved. Through the years, we don’t monitor any of the projects undertaken by the government. And even when they appear in the newspapers, we just turn the page. Look at all the projects out right now. All these need to be monitored carefully. Take them to court; ask them uncomfortable questions…there is always a response. Why can’t citizens monitor these projects?

Can we take stock of the city first…public transport, mill lands, Mithi river? And what about accountability?

Bittu: Irrespective of whether he is chosen from the public or private sector, the essential ambition is foul. It gives somebody more power to do the wrong thing. We have to first take stock of the city. What will make the city function? What will give us health/comfort? We are world class. No city in the world has 25 per cent land area protected by national parks and has 25,000 flamingoes. These two assets alone could bring in one to two million tourists. But the point is if I spit on my own carpet, why should someone else value it? We have warped priorities. We have not understood our infrastructures of survival.

The general attitude is why should I get entangled in this mess – It’s not my job?

Raell: Readers need to understand that this is their city. The urgency is already over. To mobilise people now will be much more difficult. People have gone back to work, homes are dry and life goes on and seems normal again. Everybody is busy getting back and they have no time.

Samar: Yes, people need to realise that the city is ‘them’. ALMs need to be pursued. It needs to be something like what Nandan Nilekani did to help Bangalore. We need someone like that to push the citizen’s cause. Bittu, Rambhau Patil will not work. He may have the knowledge but people want someone they know. Maybe Anil Ambani? He was the youth icon?

Did you know?

That of the 15 per cent of the population using the roads – buses, cars and taxis – five per cent to seven per cent, use cars. The Bandra-Worli sealink will be a high toll road and only three per cent will use it. So, you are building links that cost thousands of crores for approximately three per cent of the population!

MUMBAI’S WAY FORWARD

l Stop reclaiming wetlands and mangroves. Widen and tree-line footpaths, give people benches and water fountains.

l File cases against the BMC. Ask uncomfortable questions. Citizens need to demand transparency and accountability.
l Get the common man interested in non-glam news. Editors to lay stress on coverage of such topics

For complete story, subscribe to Verve Magazine or buy the Verve issue on stands now!