Civic problems will now find a quicker solution in Mulund, as Karmayog, an
NGO that acts as a platform between concerned citizens and civic
authorities, has set up a cell here. Sujatha Subraman finds out that being
united has several benefits for each one of us
Sujatha Subraman
The city-based NGO Karmayog has set its base in Mulund west to serve as a
platform for citizens to address civic and other social issues. Recently,
the Mulund Club of Karmayog held its first meeting to discuss the local
civic problems and appointed three coordinators who will help throw light on
the people’s grievances.
H Subramanian, a resident of Mulund west, informs, “The coordinators are
expected to identify the pressing civic problems and then find out ways to
solve them. Similar clubs will be formed all over the city so that area
specific problems can be solved collectively. Presently, we have formed one
such club in Mulund west with the assistance of six volunteers. We have
plans to form another club in Mulund east and Thane shortly”
Interestingly, the volunteers are not keen on holding a public meeting. “Our
focus is to solve some important issues which concern our everyday lives.
This club is all about people to people interaction, so volunteers are
welcome, but at present we are operating from our residence. We will think
of holding a public meeting when we start enrolling members. Presently
citizens can approach us with civic issues pertaining to their surroundings
and we will try to solve the same by taking it up with the concerned
authorities or by involving the local corporators,” states Sunil Ghate, a
resident from Devidayal Road.
C R Ramakrishnan, one of the coordinators has identified some problems that
plague the locality. He complains, “The area in and around Mulund station is
very congested. All the footpaths are now occupied by the hawkers leaving no
space for pedestrians. Our demand is to clear the encroachments. Footpaths
also need to be constructed on other busy roads in Mulund west in order to
ensure pedestrian safety. Areas like Dumping Road, Mehul Cinema have illegal
auto repair centers that have encroached on to the main road thus adding to
the woes of the pedestrians. Those working with the repair centers also
leave behind oil traces, which makes the roads slippery and prone to
accidents.”
C Parasuraman, another coordinator from Tambe Nagar is worried about the
non- functioning streetlights, which cause inconvenience to the senior
citizens. “Poor visibility can also lead to instances of chain snatching.
Likewise the missing paver blocks, open manholes, improper telephone ducts
and uneven roads pose a risk to the senior citizens, pregnant women and
others who walk down the street. Our priority is take up these issues and
rectify the same.”
With an active citizen’s body now in the neighbourhood, Mulundkars now have
an opportunity to raise their voices against the apathy of governing
agencies.
* Citizens wishing to highlight similar issues in their area can contact:
9869129377, or email: ram111449@yahoo.com
Publication : Mulund-Powai plus; Date : 11/8/07
URL :
http://www.mulundpowaiplus.com/fullStory.asp?articleID=MUP7ART811200725859