So typically Mumbai
- Waterlogging
- Traffic jams
- Clogged roads
- Potholes
- Disruption in train/air services
Yes, this is so typical of Mumbai, specially during the months of July/August when the rain god is in his full fury.
Since Saturday afternoon, it has been raining over here almost continously, bole to ekdum non-stop. One peculiar thing about this city is that, unlike in the northern part of India, it rains horizontally over here (I guess due to strong westerlies). Rain drops splash straight at your face, and so even an umbrella can help you from being getting drenched.
Luckily, I’m inside the campus where there’s not much effect of these downpours. Even during the great Mumbai deluge, which happened last year on 26th July (coincidentally, it was my first day at college), IIT campus was functioning as normal. But, the situation outside is bad. The roads look more like they have been build on surface of moon - full of craters of all sizes on each and every street of the city. Even couple of hours of rains brings a city as grand as Mumbai to a halt. Businesses are shut-down. People are stranded everywhere, due to disruptions in road/rail/air services.
But, what I hate the most is, after this everybody starts talking about the Great Mumbai Spirit. Man, give me break!
I don’t understand why people don’t question the government. Why don’t they raise the issues properly to the right people through the right channels. Somebody told me, that Mumbaikars are so busy with their career or corporate lives, that they don’t have the time to think about these issues. They can travel four hours in a train/bus to go from place A to place B which are just 10 kms away, but they don’t question the government. Mind you, I have utmost respect for Mumbai people and I admire the way they help each other during calamities. No other city in this whole world can boast of such a gesture.
But, my question is, for how long, Mumbaikars can sit idle and keep their eyes closed towards these issues. A time will come, when this so called greatest city of India will die, and simply vanish. Will Mumbai spirit stop that? I doubt.
Some links to ponder upon:
- Lauding Mumbai Spirit not enough
- Govt using Mumbai Spirit to shy away from responsibilities
- Dangers of Mumbai spirit
PS: I have moved my blog to a new host, and have also put up a new theme. If you find any thing broken, please let me know!
Comments (4 comments)
I completely agree with you sir. People should become more proactive in dealing with this issue.mumbaikars have been at the recieving end for so long. mumbai spirit is going to take us nowhere at all.
sanjay / August 7th, 2006, 10:42 pm / #
Sanjay: Exactly, people should come forward, and take some steps rather than allow the financial capital of India to turn into a one big pothole full of slums!
Manpreet / August 8th, 2006, 3:23 pm / #
It happened in Indonesia too especially Jakarta. If the raining season starts, definately flood is everywhere. People try to throw the rubbish properly and make small tunnel so the water can flow but still it doesn’t help. Because the buildings are too many, there are less space … water can’t go anywhere.
Mona / August 9th, 2006, 2:48 pm / #
Mona: Yes, people don’t care too much of their surroundings here as well. They throw garbage on the street itself, and due to this, whole infrastructure breaks down during the rains!
Manpreet / August 11th, 2006, 2:24 am / #
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