Constant foul smell from Kanjurmarg garbage dumping ground is a major issue that the residents have to deal with
Overview
S Ward is one of the most densely populated areas in the eastern suburbs of Mumbai. A majority of its population, which is over six lakhs, resides in slums. The ward replete with problems and it lacks basic facilities such as hospitals and fire stations.
Underdeveloped roads, illegal construction in hilly areas and consistent foul smell from the Kanjurmarg garbage dump are some of the major issues which haunt residents of this ward on a day-to-day basis.
Due to the floating population of the ward, the area also witnesses heavy traffic congestion at its various junctions. The roads are narrow and this causes lots of chaos, making it difficult for pedestrian to walk. The LBS Marg happens to be one of the most important roads in the ward as its boundary touches the Eastern Express Highway and Mulund-Airoli toll bridge towards Navi Mumbai. Thus, it witnesses maximum congestion.
The ward was a hub of industrial units; however, in the past one decade, a majority of them have been shut and several IT companies have opened shop in their place.
When it comes to basic facilities like hospitals, residents of the S Ward face a hurdle as they go all the way to Mulund in order to get medical facilities. The ward has no civic hospital. Not only this, there is no fire station in the area.
In the absence of basic infrastructure, people residing in hilly area of Ramabai Nagar, face major issues. “We have no option but to carry the patients on our shoulders as there is no road in the hilly area of the ward,” said a resident. The other issue that they face is encroachment by hawkers. Illegal parking too block footpaths, leaving citizens with no space to walk.
Political Scenario:
Out of the 13 seatsin the ward, Maharashtra Navmnirman Sena had won four seats in the last civic polls. This time, they are eyeing to win more. Though BJP failed to win a single seat in this ward, one independent candidate had joined the party later. Nilesh Patil, a political observer and activist, said that not a single political party has its hold in this ward. Every party has an equal chance to win. Emergence of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is likely to change the equations this time. However, Mangesh Pawar, the independent candidate who later joined BJP, said that there will be no major impact as the minorities have a lot of faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
ISSUES
- Uneven roads across the ward is a major issue which leads to traffic congestion in the area. So much so that during peak hours, pedestrian find difficult to walk on roads.
- Unhygienic condition of the ward poses a bit threat to residents’ health. There is no civic hospital in the ward. Residents have to go to Mulund for healthcare facilities.
- Civic schools lack infrastructure and there are only five colleges with in the ward.
- An erstwhile industrial belt, is now turning into an IT hub. But poor infrastructure is acting as a major hurdle in this regard.
- With population of over six lakhs, there is no BEST depot and this forces commuters to board crowded buses most of the times.
RESIDENTS SPEAK
There is an urgent need to look into basic amenities. As majority of the population reside in slums. Hospital and school education should be easily accessible. Slum residents spend their hard earned money in private schools as civic schools lack infrastructure.
Nilesh Patil, Joint Secretary, Bhadekaru Kriti Samiti
The area lacks playground and youths have to go to other areas if they want play. There is flooding during monsoon because of the existing narrow drains. There is a need to widen the drains in the area since such a step will help stop water logging in the area. In addition, every nook and corner of this ward have garbage dumps which create health issues for one and all. All this has to be looked into seriously if the ward is to see any development.
Amarjeet Singh, resident, Bhandup
THE OFFICIAL WORD
Chanda Jadhav, Assistant Commissioner of S ward, said: “We are aware that there is an urgent need of a hospital in this ward, and we are working to build one. We have recently got land for the purpose. I hope the ward will get a civic hospital in the days to come — around 70 per cent of the ward’s area constitute slums and people residing cannot there afford medical treatment at private hospitals.” On the issue of open defecation, she addded,“We are following the central guidelines and have put up mobile toilets in slums and asking people use them.”
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Ramabai Nagar in Bhandup West")
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}