Lately the inhabitants and the famous ‘Spirit of Mumbai’ have been struggling to grapple with the ‘Under Construction’ surprises that are thrown their way everyday. One of India's busiest cities is seeing a major infrastructure upgrade initiative but not without its problems
The frenzy of construction activity in Mumbai has been a major contributor in lowering the city's quality of life and hindering the daily routines of its inhabitants.
With the initial goal of enhancing the city's infrastructure and architectural features, the sudden surge in construction activity has majorly contributed in depreciating the attributes such as ‘always being on the go’ or ‘the city that never sleeps’ which Mumbai has been applauded for. While it cannot be denied that the various steps being taken will have a positive long term impact on Mumbai's economy and infrastructure, the manner in which the present is being impacted cannot be overlooked either.
With construction work taking place on almost every street , small scale shops and marketplaces have been sent out of business or temporarily displaced , leaving many with uncertainties or without a steady source of income.
The influence of rapid development has been observed in almost every sector, majorly impacting the working population. To facilitate government schedules various public transport routes have been blocked off resulting in the breadwinners opting for detours leading to further inconveniences. The strict guidelines imposed on government workers relating to completion of construction projects also open the gates to malpractice and hamper the safety of the citizens.
Furthermore, according to research studies conducted at various levels, the construction sector contributes to 23% of air pollution, 50% of the climatic change, 40% of drinking water pollution, and 50% of landfill wastes, completely shattering the biospheric balance.
In conclusion, development at any stage is crucial for the smooth functioning of society, however to ensure it does not negatively impact the elements on which society itself rests , development must be carried out in regulation , accommodating the needs of the citizens and in cohesion with the daily activities of the people. Tragically, the construction procedures in Mumbai fail to comply with these measures and are posing as a great obstacle in the lives and well being of its inhabitants which must be dealt with in order to restore the comfort and city planning the metropolitan ‘city of dreams’ was known for.
