Mumbai: Goldsmiths choke streets, locals in C Ward

Chimneys of goldsmiths' ramshackle factories. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

The ward is the hub of the city's textile and gold markets. But the gold rush translates to a mad rush on the roads. Bumper-to-bumper traffic is the norm, as is the air pollution caused by factories of goldsmiths. Many of these factories allegedly operate out of illegal structures, which further choke the streets. Besides, despite the city getting ample water this monsoon, supply to the area is low.

In Bhuleshwar pose a hazard to the health of residents

Pollution problem: The factories of goldsmiths around Zaveri Bazaar spew smoke from their chimneys all through the day, making living conditions hazardous for residents nearby. Extra floors have also been illegally added to many of
these factories. Permission has been granted only to run ground floor structures.

Vehicles are left parked on the roads, forcing motorists into a narrow line

Locals allege that despite the BMC regularly cracking down on these illegal structures and demolishing them, they are raised again in no time.

The rise in the number of such unauthorised buildings also adds to the congestion in the ward. In the case of any medical or fire emergency, these structures could restrict easy access to the streets.

Traffic troubles: Areas like Zaveri Bazaar, Bhuleshwar and Kalbadevi Road are jampacked with vehicles all through the day. Matters only get worse in the evenings. Vehicles are often left parked on the roads, forcing other motorists to go in a single file. Owing to the traffic snarls, many taxis refuse to ply, forcing commuters to either rely on share cabs - as is the case on Kalbadevi Road - or to walk to their destinations, often from Marine Lines station.

Water woes: The ward faces a shortage of water. In areas like Kalbadevi Road and Zaveri Bazaar, residents receive water only once a day, for 45 minutes. Most localities in the city are provided water twice a day.