I wish the UN had kept off from poking its nose on the ongoing slum demolition drive in India. In commenting on it, they have not understood the magnitude and implications of the issue. A banner at Churchgate pithilly put it thus: "grab land, put a hut and demand a flat". Even if a flat is given it is sold and then they return to create new slums.
Not to be outdone, the WB team that visited Mumbai recently ahs made a ridiculous suggestion: of doubling the FSI for construction in areas within 2 kms radius from railway stations. In making this amusing recommendation, they have shown how far removed from reality they are. Any one walking near and around suburban railway stations in Mumbai will see the great congestion. WB wants this to be intenified!!
Any one reading the views of the WB expert team will find it sounding like a wish list often produced in meetings of builders and developers.
Finally, we truly need a local view of Mumbai: develop it mustt but keeping its own needs and requirements. WB has not uttered a single word how to improve public transport.
