Good idea, execution is impractical
There are hardly any open drains in South Mumbai. If the authorities are talking about the suburban area, then space close to the drains has been engulfed by the encroachments. In the city, there is hardly any space available between footpath and roads. Moreover the municipal corporation has proposed a budget of Rs2 crore and they have 2,440 km of drainage. Hence only Rs10,000 will be allotted per kilometre to develop the tracks. In addition, we will need to put greenery by the side of the jogging tracks. So will all this be practically possible? Singapore built such facilities 20 years ago, when they were planning for the city’s development. All these concepts are nothing but purely flights of fancy.
Neera Punj, convener, Citispace
Will surely keep hawkers and encroachers at bay
It seems like a great plan to start with the improvement of basic infrastructure of Mumbai, but the question is that can it be executed by the city’s municipal corporation? In the past, authorities have spoken about turning Mumbai into Shanghai, but till now it has only remained a dream. Many Mumbaikars will be thrilled if there are jogging and cycling tracks developed in the city. In case the tracks are laid they will surely keep hawkers and encroachers at bay. However, to compare Mumbai with Singapore is not fair, as both cities have a completely different culture and geography.
Megha Chotalia, interior designer
Enable citizens to adopt healthy life
This is a brilliant idea. If executed properly, this plan could well lead to Mumbaikars adopting a healthier lifestyle, since more people will choose to walk or jog on these paths. Also, environmentally-conscious people will be encouraged to start cycling on the new tracks. If these plans are implemented it will reduce traffic congestion. However, the municipal corporation must ensure that drains are covered and that hygiene is duly maintained. Otherwise, we may have a good plan on paper, but in reality, it will be a waste of money.
Hanisha Lalwani, account executive
Ensure security during pre-dawn hours
It’s a great idea to have cycling and jogging tracks along drains; it will compel Mumbaikar’s to lead a healthy lifestyle. There are few posh areas, which have facilities like jogging tracks, now they will be easily accessible to the masses. Certainly this will keep encroachers away, also vacant area will be utilised in a better way. But the issue of security remains, there have been instances where people have been robbed. So protection of such early morning joggers is a major concern. The government must ensure thatguards are deployed.
Jimit Shah, account executive
City is receptive to new ideas
Any idea will sound good on paper, but the important thing is that how one is implementing these ideas and converting them into reality. I’m sure that having cycling and jogging tracks along drains will keep encroachers away and ensure that that land is used in a planned way. But there has to be an awareness campaign to reach the right people. If the civic administration implements it properly, it will create a huge difference. Although it’s a good initiative, it needs to be implemented and communicated well to get the maximum impact.
Mayank Sen, corporate advisor
Take care of hygiene around facility
I like the idea of creating jogging and cycling tracks along open drains. But authorities need to be careful about it. A proper boundary will have to be built around it, so that no mishaps occur. Also, officials from the civic administration must make sure that there is no foul smell around the drains, otherwise nobody will be able to use the facility and it will only lead to wastage of money. But it’s a good proposal as encroachers will be restrained automatically. Also, it might be difficult to make broad jogging or cycling tracks at all places, since there is a space crunch in the city. Authorities will have to consider many thingsbefore taking the plan forward.
Aman Giran, business consultant
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