1) Quick fix
The death of two teenagers in pothole mishaps in Sahapur is one more case of negligence by the civic authorities and the apathy showed by the government machinery in attending the lapses on their part. It is notable that pothole problem is giving the road users torrid time and there were several methods followed to make the roads in perfect conditions. During the monsoon season, these potholes give way due to moisture and there is traffic jam due to resultant accidents at focal points. The state governments and the road contractors have tried all the time-tested methods to plug the loopholes and find an amicable solution. Even levying penalty on road contractors did not yield result as they continue to extend poor road work despite warnings issued to them in the past. Now the BMC has done research and found out its own pothole mix at Worli plant to fix the potholes in a record time. This will definitely reduce the cost of the mix drastically and provide the best solution in repairing the potholes in record time through the quick fix measures.
– Nickilesh Maniam
2) Raising heights of buildings challenged
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The BMC Chief’s decision to double heights of buildings in Marine Drive Precinct is challenged. The proposal to raise the height of front row buildings of Marine Drive, which fall in the Backbay Zone from the existing limit of 24 metres to 32 metres is being questioned. The increase in the height of buildings falling in Gymkhana zone from 11-24 metres proposed is also challenged. This is the same case with Chowpatty zone as well. Instead of preparing final general guidelines for the height of re-constructed buildings in excess of 24 metres in accordance with the DC regulations 1991, the Civic Chief has prepared guidelines for special permission to re-development projects in Marine Drive precinct. The residents have termed the new guidelines as arbitrary and illegal.
– Jayanthy Anandambal
3) Protect mangroves
The civic authorities are lagging behind in protecting the mangroves in Mumbai despite the usefulness of mangroves in the coastal parts of the metro city. It is a source of protection and it prevents seawater from entering the main city during heavy rains and floods. Thus, the small steps increase the city’s green footprint. In the recent past, we have heard that the mangroves growing near Thane, Bhiwandi, and Vasai are facing rampant destruction. Damaging much of the mangroves for developmental projects is destroying the green cover. It is indeed a right step in the right direction to take a neutral view. In view of the fact that mangroves are the major protection for the land adjoining the sea and Mumbai is an island and is lying on the seashore, it is our duty to protect the mangroves in the best way possible.
– Chitra Rugmini
4) Keralities must be careful of venomous reptiles
Kerala has always been a place of all kinds of snakes including the venomous ones like the Cobra and the Viper hidden in their snake pits most of the time. The non-poisonous ones like the pythons are usually found coiled on the branches of trees in dense forests. But during heavy rains, especially the recent deluge of Kerala, many of them got bereft of their homes and had to swim around in the waters, posing a great danger to human beings and other animals alike with their poisonous fangs and swallowing capacity. Houses flooded with the water carrying these reptiles served as hiding places for them. The people, returning from relief camps back to their homes, have to take care when entering them as these reptiles are prone to be hidden in unlikely places. Now, the Kerala state government has provided free snake anti-venom medicines to the flood victims and the services of the snake experts to help the people overcome this fearful problem. Still, all the people of Kerala have to be alert to the presence of these reptiles in their vicinity as well as smaller ones like centipedes and scorpions.
– Jubel D’Cruz
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
