The Helpless Mumbaikar

I feel so sad for the Mumbaikar today. Ever since I can remember I have had a car and have traveled in Mumbai primarily by my personal vehicle, may it be on my bike or in my car. My use of public transportation has been very limited. This has been more so because of the non-availability of easily accessible public transport where I live. I have used the BEST buses and the local trains whenever I felt that reaching a particular place in Mumbai would be easier that way. The public transport system is very good, but the sheer number of commuters availing these facilities makes them a chore rather than a convenience. If given an opportunity to chose between my personal vehicle and public transport, I would choose public transport because it is simply easier; but not so in Mumbai. Given the hassles that a commuter has to go through, sitting in traffic for hours in the comfort of the AC in my car and listening to music is preferable. One might notice; neither is convenient.  

Today, I experienced the difficulties of traveling by public transport more than ever. I had to reach a place that is about 4 km from where I live. I could not find a cab immediately so I kept on walking towards the nearest bus-stop which is usually pretty busy and has some taxis waiting. Also, I thought that while walking towards the bus-stop, I might be able to hail a taxi. I reached the bus-stop and yet was not able to find a taxi. Finally, a bus came along and I boarded it. Now, until I boarded the bus, I was not able to find a taxi for almost 20 minutes, which in Mumbai is pretty remarkable. The bus was extremely crowded, the stench of sweat was suffocating and there was hardly any place to stand. The bus ride took me about 15 minutes or so, which is what it usually takes. So, fortunately, I didn't have to endure that for long. 

This experience made me think of something which crosses everybody's mind at some point or the other. It is the trouble that a common man has to go through. I have led a privileged life compared to many and have not had to travel in such conditions a lot of times. But, there are lacs of people who have to endure this torture every single day. Perhaps they complain at some point but resign to the fact that they have no choice. They are perhaps of tired and disgusted of such a state of condition but find no solution or an alternative. Buying a car or a two-wheeler might be easy but to use it daily is not affordable for them. Thus, they have to make the best of what is available. 

Taxis and Rickshaws are perhaps more of an irritant than anything else. They consider themselves to be the Kings on the road and drive as they please with no regard to other cars or pedestrians. They say yes or no to a fare as they please. Although it is obligatory on their part to accept any fare by law, they don't care about commuters at all. I am young and pretty well-built, so at times I have forcibly asked the Taxi or the Rickshaw to take me where I want to go. Now, I am not doing anything wrong or illegal here. On the other hand, there are women, children and old people who are helpless. They cannot exert force like I can and are forced to swallow their pride and dignity and their troubles to wait on these Taxis and Rickshaws to say yes to their fare. It is so deplorable that it makes me seethe with anger. 

Mumbai is going to get a Metro and a Monorail system in the next few years. Hopefully, they will lighten the burden on the already super over-burdened public transport system. It is not a mystery why the current public transport system in Mumbai is insufficient. It is simply the population. The burden on the public infrastructure is such that it is impossible to keep up with such ever-increasing population. Migration and uncontrolled breeding are killing this 'City of Dreams'.

First, let me take up migration. Any developed and welcoming city in this world has seen migration from other parts of that country as well as from other countries. New York is an excellent example. Mumbai is many times compared to New York, which is quite laughable. Although population wise, the two cities are almost on par, New York does not have such problems. It faces similar issues like Mumbai but there is one major difference and that is the discipline and integrity. The US has not allowed illegal housing to come up. One wouldn't find street-dwellers or a slum cropping up on Park Avenue, whereas you will find that in plush areas of Mumbai like Cuffe Parade, Colaba, Pali Hill, etc. It is almost as if every citizen of this country feels that the Right to Movement also grants them the Right to Illegal Housing or a Right to Construct Slums wherever they please. And, the Government in power will never do anything about that because it will lose out on their precious votes. SHAMEFUL!!! What about those millions of people who have been living in this city for decades? Do they have no say? Do they deserve such horrible living conditions when they have spent their entire lives living in this city hoping for a better future for themselves and their kids? What about those who have grown up in this city, studied here and hoped to lead a nice life here? Will they be so condemned to their fate? They have enriched this city and made it what it is today. But, all that goes to waste when day after day, a new scandal is exposed. Real Estate in Mumbai being at such a premium, it is impossible for even a middle-class person to buy a small apartment. The concept of a house is non-existent in Mumbai. If it resembles a house, it is a mansion or a monstrosity like Anitlla. 

Now, the uncontrolled breeding. I use the word 'breeding' because it doesn't seem like most Indians understand that they are humans and not animals. Even animals breed  only during the mating season and the only animal that has sexual intercourse for pleasure apart from human beings is a pig. The idea that a boy is more desirable than a girl nauseates me. Even mothers prefer a boy, more than a girl. What kind of sick thinking is this? A woman who prefers that she never gives birth a girl!!! Unfortunately, this thinking persists even in many well-educated and financially well-off families who don't really have to worry about another pair of hands to aid their family. And today, even that is not an issue as girls are equally interested in pursuing a career like boys. Many Indians 'breed' until they have a boy in the family. DESPICABLE!!! There are others who simply don't care whether they will even be able to support a large family. They simply go on procreating like animals without the slightest thought. The Family Management Program by the Indian Government has been going for several years now. I don't know how far it has been successful but I hope it has had some effect. The recent census actually showed the male to female ratio in India is quite horrible. 

It is impossible to meet the demands of such a huge population in smaller towns and villages. Consequentially, everybody makes way for Mumbai. And, why not? If I was in a smaller town/village I might have done the same for better opportunities. But, here it does not remain as simple as that. It leads to slums, crime and dirtiness! Again, the Mumbaikar faces it all, not because he is brave and strong but that he is completely helpless. 

I have myself been to the US and worked there, my brother is in the US and is working there. Hopefully, in a few months, I will embark on another journey in another country and will hope for a better future there. It is quite natural. However, neither would the US have tolerated any illegal activity and nor will the other country. 

I pray to God that the 'City of Dream' does not metamorphose in to the 'City of Hell'

A song for those who love this city: