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ShareMumbai: Residents of Sir MV Road, Andheri (E), face problems due to constant traffic, and encroachment of footpaths by hawkers. Authorities show inability to solve their grievances.
Andheri is a hub of offices and sees thousands of people coming in everyday - from a daily wage labourer to a CEO. It is an amalgamation of residential and commercial establishments.
Residents of Sir MV Road, near the station, has traffic problems within the area and also encroachment of footpaths by hawkers. Senior citizens and children find it difficult to cross the roads.
Moreover, hawkers litter the area with plastic bags which is a matter of great concern
for residents, especially during the rains as they can block nullahs and lead to flooding.
People in the area want zebra crossing, better footpaths and dustbins.
Civic amenities
Despite numerous complaints, authorities have not taken any concrete steps to provide the basic amenities like footpath, zebra crossing and signal post on Sir MV road
Rakesh Mehta says, "Andheri is one of the most densely populated suburb in Mumbai. Hopefully the Metro work should be completed on time as it causes inconveniences to many."
Sushma Sinha says, "With traffic congestion and hawkers on the footpath, it becomes difficult for the pedestrians to use the way. There has always been a problem to get auto from the station road so we end up walking as the bus are always crowded during peak hours."
Ragini Sharma, says, "There are no dustbins in any of the roads or the lanes. There is just one big dumping place at Chakala which is quite far from the MV road. Moreover the hawkers too don't keep their own dustbin for keeping the waste."
Traffic
People feel that the traffic is not well managed. The clearance of the vehicular traffic is slow and pedestrians face immense difficulty in crossing the roads.
Mahesh Wadekar says, "None of the signals works properly at any of the crossroads. Traffic congestion is a common phenomenon on this road, till the stretch of Andheri Kurla road and it leads to a delay in reaching to my workplace."
SR Pawar says, "For a elderly person like me, it is very difficult to cross the Sir MV road. There is no zebra crossing and even the signals aren't working. How do you expect one to cross the road without being hit?"
Prawin Jariwala says, "At least twice in a month an accident takes place here. There is lack of road discipline and the traffic continues to remain chaotic on the road."
Governance
The roads are dirty and the debris remains on pavements for days. The hawkers leave plastic bags on the road. Residents want the authorities to take some action.
Rakesh Kumar says, "There are more than 10 schools on Sir MV road. So for the safety of children a speed-breaker is required and there needs to be regular control on the speed limit. Moreover traffic police must be deputed near the schools."
R Ram says "Government has banned the use of thin plastic bags but the hawkers still use them.The authority is aware about the fact but choose to be ignorant. The garbage gets piled up and this leads to the drains getting blocked during the monsoon."
Neeta Sangoi says, "I have noticed that the cover of the drains are left open. It also increases the chances of monsoon prone diseases. And addition to that it is unhygienic."
"We have sent several complaints to the authorities about the nuisance of rash driving and the encroachment by the hawkersbut in vain. People are forced to walk on the road because no pavements is vacant for pedestrians. Moreover the ongoing Metro work has reduced the width of the road."
- Vinod Dhawan, president, Radhika Nivas, Co-op Hsg
"I can understand the problems faced by the residents. The Metro work has aggravated the inconvenience. I have started coordinating with the official on several issues in Andheri. Rains have stalled many projects. We will soon solve the grievances of the people"
- Clive George Dias, municipal councillor. K/E ward
"Andheri is an example of the worst hit by the hawker's encroachment. There is no space on the footpath for the utilisation of pedestrian. This is because of the lack of will and coordination among the authorities to implement the court order to keep the hawkers away from illegal encroachment."
- Neera Punj, convener, CitySapce
K/East Ward
K/E, ward Office Bldg. Azad Road, Gundavali, Andheri (East). Mumbai400 069
In-charge
Assist. Commissioner Shri R.B.Dhakne
(O) 26840103
(P) 26840986
Visiting hours
Local residents can meet the authorities at the ward office every Monday and Friday between 3 pm to 5 pm.
Last word
"Due to the ongoing Metro construction by MMRDA. We are unable to a provide road divider and zebra crossing."
-Dilip Joshi
