Festival spaces must be maintained all year round

The Dahisar River Festival, which is being organised by Eknath Shinde loyalist Sheetal Mhatre

At least three events centred on the Dahisar river were organised recently, two by the rival Shiv Sena factions and the third by an educational trust. The water body, one of the city's four rivers, continues to raise a stink as its rejuvenation is moving at a snail's pace, an in-depth report stated in this paper.

While there were some claims and counter claims about which is the original festival, that is just a side show to the crux of this edit. The moot point is the state of the water body, the focal point of these festivals.

Apathy and unrestrained encroachment on this water body's banks have resulted in the river being reduced to a sewer where waste from factories and building sites is dumped.

Leave aside claims, quibbling and quarrelling, we want to see intent and action in rejuvenation and cleaning up of this site. There is also the larger picture: venues and heritage places being used to host events.

How is the space maintained at other times, beyond festivals? Are the surrounding areas and access roads clean and usable for locals? Is a stench emanating from debris around the area? Is the place simply spruced up for a particular event but left to go to seed at other times? Does this become a dumping ground once a high-profile gathering has ended?

Unfortunately, the answer to most of these questions is yes. We need to keep sites clean and functional through the year, not just during festivities.

Around the time such events are held, all shortcomings are papered over, but deterioration continues as key problems are not addressed. The spaces that need attention and overhaul must see good, quality work completed within a stipulated timeline.