Mumbai: Why does only D Ward get tiled dividers, ask activists

A tiled divider on a 250-mt stretch in D Ward. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Activists from the suburbs have slammed the Brihanmumbai Corporation (BMC) for tiling dividers in south Mumbai, alleging that the city area always receives special treatment. The black-and-white tiles, which were installed about two weeks ago, are easily visible at night as they reflect light.

The tiled dividers can be seen on a 250-metre stretch in the D Ward, from Nana Chowk to Bhatia Hospital junction in Grant Road.

Sharad Ughade, assistant municipal commissioner, D Ward, said, "This is a pilot project. Considering its easy to clean, we are planning to replicate it across the ward and in other areas too."

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An official claimed that the move will save money on painting dividers every few months while another stated that the BMC spends more than R1 crore on colouring dividers every two years. "The cost of tiling the dividers has not been finalised yet," the official added.

D Ward includes areas such as Malabar Hill, Grant Road, Mahalakshmi and Girgaon and its residents include ministers, IAS officials, industrialists and businessmen.

Activist Godfrey Pimenta said, "There has been discrimination between city areas and the suburbs since the beginning. Their footpaths are bigger and the roads are in good condition and have proper markings. But the BMC gets more property tax and development tax from the suburbs compared to the city."

Another activist, Anil Galgali, hailed the concept but said that if it is a success, it should not be restricted to the D ward. "One corporation, one decision for the whole city. The policy of taking separate decisions for Malabar Hill and Worli should be stopped now," he stated.

Rs1cr
The amount the BMC spends on colouring dividers every 2 years