Working for a Cleaner Mumbai

“In most wards,there is no proper garbage collection on time. The civic body needs to introduce a new waste management system that would ensure proper garbage collection in every ward,” said Oza,a resident of Colaba in South Mumbai.

In 1992,garbage trucks in the city had no defined route or timetable. It is at this time that Oza decided to step out and chalk out routes for garbage collection in Malabar Hill. In the same year,when she returned from a trip in Paris,Oza brought back garbage bins. At the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC),she demonstrated how developed countries manage solid waste.

The Bora Bazaar project- the latest project on the list,aims to educate locals on garbage disposal in localities. The campaign engages municipal school children. They are trained how to spread awareness on garbage management. “The change must begin with the future generation,” said Oza.

“For a cleaner city,we must have citizens with a civic sense. Also it has to remembered,the cleanest cities in the world remain so because of the implementation of tough laws,” she added.

To solve the city’s problem of potholes,Oza studied the city roads which have potholes. A team of experts helped her in the process. The flaws were pointed out to the BMC.

“I envy the landscape of advanced cities like London,Paris and New York,which are dotted with colourful flowers and greenery. Unfortunately,flowers are something you do not see on Mumbai’s streets. Beautification is also a part of cleanliness,” she said.