Hi All,
This is my first blog :D
In this fast moving IT space where every 3rd person is a blogger, I was quite lazy to sit, think and then scribble something onto net.
Actually, this time I felt the urge for it. I wanted to reach out to people, share my experiences and raise some concerns (which I assume are always genuine :D ).
Well, this post is about MUMBAI, the city of dreams, where hundreds, if not thousands, come rushing in search of money and fame, everyday. The question that really needs to be asked is "IS MUMBAI THE RIGHT PLACE TO BE". My straight answer will be "NOOOOOO". This may hurt every true Mumbaikar and I offer my apologies for any offences.
I say NO to Mumbai for a host of reasons:
a. Heavily overcrowded: According to the 2001 consensus, the population of Mumbai was 13 million. I am sure the figure must definitely be much more than that. People from all corners of India just keep pouring in. Several new businesses are established in Mumbai every year, which require lot of manpower. But at the same time, it should be understood that the Land Area of Mumbai is limited. It just can't expand like other cities which have surplus land. You just can't keep on inflating the balloon.
b. Creeky Infrastructure: I honestly feel that Government should be held responsible for this fact atleast. Any Mumbaikar should feel ashamed of the pathetic infrastructure that Mumbai has, despite the fact that Mumbaikars end up paying highest taxes in the country. I have been to some other Financial hubs in other countries and the infrastructure is just awesome. New arrivals in the city just augment the woes further. The locals are a horrible means of transport, almost 10-12 people killed on a daily basis. Buses, and auto-rickshaws are no better either. I used to see the plight of ambulances stuck in traffic jams with alarms blaring and unable to move an inch. Just imagine, you with your near or dear ones in Ambulance. You would curse the traffic to the hilt.
c. Extra-ordinary fast life : What does Mumbai leave you with at End of Day ??? Try answering this after experiencing a day's life in Mumbai. It just squeezes you to the extent that you are left with no energy for yourself, forget about your family. The resources (local trains, buses) are ample, frequency is good enough, but the population makes these resources look meagre. All you see at local stations is the sight wherein people are just running for their lives. It's perhaps the only city in the world where even a second counts. Gosh !!!. Calm down Mumbai, take a breather and learn to live, not just exist.
d. Too expensive : I have no qualms to admit that Mumbai is the most expensive Indian city. If you go by the real estate rates it might even beat Manhattan or any other damn swankiest place. It is really difficult to understand when will there be a slowdown in demand if not a complete full-stop. When I arrived in Mumbai 4 years back, I used to have vada-pav for 3 rupees. The same is available for 6-7 rupees,if not more. Can someone really justify it. Look at the property rates, they have soared much beyond your imaginations. For a common man, places like Borivali are becoming increasingly unaffordable. Rents are equally high. Going at this place, in a few years from now, places like Vasai and Virar will certainly be beyond reach.
I have just highlighted a few points, the real pain areas which made me feel to opt out. I have relocated to NCR recently, heaving a sigh of relief. To me Mumbai had become a compulsion(coz of my Job) rather than choice.
I appeal to all Mumbaikars, to please Speak Out, take your government by horns, and make Mumbai a decent place to stay. Please do realize that it's already too late and any further delay will worsen the matter.
NIKHIL BANSAL
