Mysolution

The most severe problem in Mumbai today is pollution. As the number of vehicles on the road cannot be reduced, the only solution is to pl...

The most severe problem in Mumbai today is pollution. As the number of vehicles on the road cannot be reduced, the only solution is to plant more trees and to conduct regular Pollution Under Control PUC tests. The Sheriff8217;s Pollution Control Campaign was held from April 22 to May 22. During this campaign, all PUC centres checked vehicles free of charge. Over 7,000 vehicles were inspected and were given PUC certificates. Several BEST buses carried slogans on PUC awareness.

As part of the campaign we also flagged off a tree plantation drive on May 1 with the support of The Dignity Foundation and the Bombay Municipal Corporation BMC. I want to involve the Mayor in all our projects. Unlike the Sheriff8217;s post, the Mayor8217;s post is such that the next Mayor is supposed to complete the tasks started by his predecessor. So,hopefully these plans will be continued. Our target is to plant one lakh trees during the monsoon.

We want school and college students to adopt a tree each and look after it. Children cancontribute to keeping the environment clean and healthy.

Along with this, we also want to start a campaign on beautification of beaches. To start with, Juhu beach has been adopted by Lion8217;s International. Funds have been allocated. The aim is to turn it into a model beach. The shops will be given clean water and proper drainage facilities. Hopefully, this project will start in the next four to five months.

We also have a proposal to plant trees on the beach from Worli to Mahim. All factories and buildings on the beach will be asked to adopt a tree each on which they can display their banner.

The railways can undertake beautification of the area outside each station. A parking zone can be created where people can pay and park. For this I have received full support from the BMC. The railways do not have the funds to maintain stations in good order. Private corporations and business houses can be given hoardings on the platform. The railways can use the rent from these to appoint sweepers to clean theplatforms and toilets.

The traffic problem outside Dadar station has been solved to a certain extent by preventing the entry of private buses into Kohinoor Road. The right turn from Kohinoor Road to Bhalchandra Road has been closed. Private tour operators have been given slots at Dadar T T Circle where they can park and commuters can board their vehicles. I want non-government organisations NGOs and citizens to come forward to help make Mumbai a beautiful city. People should take the initiative and not complain about the apathy of the government.