Not an easy problem
by kalidas on Jul 03, 2006 10:24 PM
This is not an easy problem and there's no simple solution to this. Mumbai is just a few feet from sea level which means the drains have to be closed at high tide. We need major revamp/reengineering of the drainage system to tackle this issue and investment of billions of dollars is needed to build this essential infrastructure.
I have also noticed that average mumbaikar is a highly irresponsible citizen - it's normal in Mumbai to see well-dressed, seemingly well-to-do people throwing garbage on streets. Garbage chokes the drains and makes the situation worse, apart from creating other health problems.
It might sound a bit strange but having strict solid waste disposal laws and implementing them will definitely improve the situation by at least 10% without any improvement in drainage infrastructure. One of the laws I want is a ban on plastic bags, sachets, pouches. Living without them is not as difficult as it might seem. Look the waste : 10-15% of plastic are Gutkha pouches.
