GIRGAUM CHOWPATTY PROJECT
The association between AGNI and the BMC extends to many activities and we would like to think that the role of AGNI in its dealing with BMC has been that of a facilitator. In this capacity, AGNI Joint Area Action Group (JAAG) 'D' Ward has spearheaded and completed with success, activities like formation of ALMs (Advance Locality Management), garbage segregation, house to house collection pilot project and others. All of these have been in close association and partnership with the BMC and at no time has there been any conflict between AGNI 'D' Ward and BMC 'D' Ward.
The most challenging project taken up by AGNI in 'D' ward was the vexatious issue of the Bhelpuri stalls at Girgaum Chowpatty Beach. The stall owners were engaged in a litigation with the State of Maharashtra and BMC for quite some time. During the course of the litigation, the High Court judges, Justice A. P. Shah and Justice S. J. Vazifdar after a visit to Chowpatty had observed that "Chowpatty is one of the few scenic spots in Mumbai, which can be enjoyed by the citizens of this overcrowded city." Further, the judges observed that "the location of these stalls were haphazard, obstructed the view of the sea from the road and did not permit optimum use of the beach for the public."
Since the Girgaum Chowpatty Beach fell under 'D' ward, it was felt that this case was an excellent opportunity to show that citizens, in partnership with the authorities can bring about good governance. AGNI 'D' Ward JAAG Coordinator took the initiative of approaching the BMC and offered to stand by BMC and act as facilitator / Coordinator for this project. The BMC mindful of the previous positive experiences with AGNI 'D' Ward, invited the Coordinator, Ms. Indrani Malkani to participate in all deliberations, the first of which was on 7th February 2001 when the hon'able judges visited the Chowpatty to see for themselves, the state of affairs.
During the process of interaction between the BMC officials and the bhelpuri stall owners, the presence of AGNI representative helped to dissolve the feeling of "they" versus "us" i.e. BMC versus Bhelwallas. The bhelwallas' practical problems and anxieties were discussed and possible solutions were found together. As a citizens group, we were able to avoid a confrontation to the extent that it allowed us to find a solution, which was both feasible and presented an uninterrupted view of the sea, and allowing optimum use of the beach for the public.
AGNI 'D' Ward had secured the participation of the eminent heritage architect, Mr. Rahul Mehrotra who designed and submitted detailed concept and layout for the area of bhel stalls or the "Bhel Plaza," on behalf of AGNI. This plan was approved by the High Court and implemented, culminating with the stall owners starting their business at the Bhel plaza on Dassera day year 2001.
The hon'able court appointed a committee who "will be overall in charge of ensuring the implementation of the scheme as well as for the preservation and beautification of the Chowpatty beach." The committee comprises a Chairman, previously Justice S. C. Pratap (retd.), now Mr. Rafique Dada - Advocate, Addtl. Municipal Commissioner, City as Member Secretary, Mr. Rahul Mehrotra (Architect in charge of the project), the Collector - City, Mr. Navroz Seervai, Mrs. Indrani Malkani (Coordinator AGNI 'D' Ward), Mr. Rajan Jaykar and Mr. Pramod Navalkar (MLC).
In respect of security, law and order, a special achievement of the committee needs mentioning. The Chowpatty beach was originally under the jurisdiction of two police stations i.e. D. B. Marg and Gamdevi, which resulted in unnecessary duplication of work. With the committee's interaction, the jurisdiction of the beach has now officially been brought under one police station i.e. D. B. Marg.
A master plan has been prepared for the entire beach, based on which the development of Chowpatty is being carried out. The northern end (Walkeshwar end), which is commonly known as MbPT Storm Signal area, beautification work shall start shortly. This area will be transformed into a viewing gallery showing the skyline of Mumbai. The Vasant Sheth Memorial Foundation is sponsoring the project and is being coordinated and executed by AGNI 'D' Ward.
The city's problems can be resolved with the active cooperation of the authorities, elected representatives and citizens working together.
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