Slumless Mumbai ?

Can you imagine a Mumbai without slums? A core group set up by the Maharshtra state government to initiate a long-term concept plan for the city, will be discussing various ideas during this week’s meeting including a ‘Slumless Mumbai’. Led by metropolitan commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad, the group’s brief is to prepare a plan for the city and the region for the next three decades. A government source said, “This concept plan would help provide the entire region, which has several drawbacks especially in case of urban facilities, with a strong vision.’’ Other members of the core group include municipal commissioner Jairaj Phatak, former municipal commissioner D M Sukhtankar, principal secretary, urban development, T Benjamin, head of the city transformation unit, U P S Madan, secretary, urban development, Manu Srivastava and chairman of Bombay First Narinder Nayar. Gaikwad said that discussing the proposal for a slum-less city entailed having a strong plan to prevent slums from developing. Mumbai also has to attract foreign business and capital. “Low-cost rental schemes for the public are already underway in the city and suburbs. They will help prevent slums from sprouting, but something has to be done to make Mumbai a top international financial centre. For this, we need moderate rents for business districts,’’ added Gaikwad. Nayar said while the emphasis has so far been on building physical infrastructure like roads, rail tracks and flyovers, Bombay First will also push for the provision of social infrastructure, like hospitals and training institutions, as also proper sewerage and garbage disposal projects. Foreign consultants and the World Bank have been commenting on the need to build stronger social infrastructure in the region in the wake of the large developmental projects being undertaken. According to Gaikwad, the public toilet scheme, which is part of Nirmal Abhyan, is a positive step in tackling social issues. Low-cost rentals are expected to counter the proliferation of slums while public toilets will lead to the spread of better hygiene standards in the city and distant suburbs. While a slum-less Mumbai may still be a distant dream, the planning for such a city has begun.