There is no space to dry clothes in Mumbai

The proposal to penalise housing societies for hanging clothes outside their balconies and littering their building compounds has not gone down well with many.

“We live in a country where we don’t have drying machines. Not everybody has room to dry clothes,” said Shyama Kulkarni, a resident of Rendevouz CHS, Perry Road, Bandra (West). “We have sent notices but it is not possible for those with big families. We have asked them to dry clothes at the rear of the building.”

According to Madhu Poplai, a resident of Akhil Apartments in Pali Hill, the government should make sure that the building proposal department of the BMC maintains decorum between the builders’ lobby before they attack the residents. The norms say that the builders have balconies protruding with no compound wall.

“The plan sounds good on paper but is not practical. In newer constructions, a space is provided behind AC-ducts to dry clothes,” said Sherley Singh, a resident of JVPD scheme.

DS Vader, ex-chairman of Maharashtra Housing Federation termed this decision as one-sided. “According to the redevelopment policy, the government is able to provide houses up to 350 sq ft each. Where is the space to dry clothes?” he asked.

Meanwhile, a fine for littering is being welcomed. “This will force residents to keep their compounds clean,” said Bharati Kakkad, a resident of Union Park, Khar (W).
On the other hand, the civic body has welcomed the decision. “After the implementation, the skyline of the city will improve,” said RA Rajeev, additional
municipal commissioner.