General
The Role of Administration Should Be to Find Solutions, Not to Create Problems by Blocking Paths – Amzad Shaikh, Founder, Samay Foundation
The Malwani NGOs and Citizens Forum have strongly opposed the RTO’s suggestion to demolish or close the bridge connecting Malwani Lagoon Road and Avershine Nagar Back Road. This proposal has raised significant concerns and unease among the local community, as no official statement has been made by BMC officials or the administration so far.
Amzad Shaikh, Founder of Samay Foundation, expressed that Malwani and Malad West are already grappling with severe traffic issues due to limited road infrastructure. If the bridge connecting Lagoon Road and Avershine Nagar Back Road is demolished, it will create immense pressure on Meeth Chowki and Marve Road, worsening the already critical situation. In such circumstances, the administration’s role should be to find solutions that alleviate these problems, not to make them worse by blocking essential paths.
In response, the Malwani NGOs and Citizens Forum have made the following demands to the administration:
- Do not demolish the bridge: Before considering the bridge’s demolition, alternative solutions should be explored, and better facilities must be provided for the public.
- Do not block bikers’ routes: Alternative routes should be arranged for the thousands of bikers who rely on this bridge daily, ensuring their commute is not obstructed.
- Create a separate lane for pedestrians: A dedicated and safe lane should be created for pedestrians, including workers and domestic help, who use this bridge daily, to ensure their safety.
The forum has warned that they will initiate a legal public movement if these demands are not met. They have also urged local MLA Aslam Shaikh and MP Piyush Goyal to clarify their stance on this issue and take responsibility for addressing these three key demands.
All members of society have the right to safe, convenient, and accessible routes for their daily commutes and activities. The administration has to resolve the issues faced by the public and seek alternative solutions before taking any steps that might cause further inconvenience or hardship.
