Where the streets have no name

MUMBAI: The BMC may have set aside Rs1 cr in its annual budget for street furniture, including street signs, but that hasn't stopped hackles rising on Dr Viegas Street at Chandanwadi.

The street's residents have taken umbrage over a chowk, dedicated to Chandrakant Bavle that has replaced the Dr Viegas Street sign, which they claim was an important landmark in the locality.

The residents state that though they have nothing against Bavle, the loss of the landmark is proving troublesome for visitors, couriers and delivery men.

"For years this street sign was a landmark. But now, when people turn into this street and look for the sign, it's missing," said resident Ian Stanton.

Then there is the element of history: "The street was named after Dr Accasio Gabriel Viegas, who was a resident of this area and offered great services to the city. His statue stands at Metro," said Myrna Chaves, who was among the first to notice the street sign missing on April 17, 2006.

"When I enquired with the local shopkeepers, I was informed that some people had removed the sign claiming that it was causing a nuisance to passersby. This surprised us, as the signpost was never in danger of collapsing," said Chaves.

The chowk sign in question, was allegedly erected overnight.

It's been 20 months since Chaves began corresponding with the BMC's C-ward office on the matter. Her last letter, dated January 16, 2008, to the assistant municipal commissioner, S Dalvi, has received no response. Chaves, the complainant, comes from a family that has given the city two mayors — Dr Jos Alban D'souza and Dr J Leon D'souza.

S Dalvi, assistant municipal commissioner C-Ward, stated that street signs could not be removed on a whim. "I will check up on this matter. If the residents' complaints hold true, then we will have to reinstate the sign," he said

b_linah@dnaindia.net