Even Mumbai's VIPs have it tough in D-ward

D-ward may be home to the top brass of the city, but it has its own share of problems, be it badly maintained roads and footpaths or the annoying noise pollution

Considering that it is home to the top brass of the city — the chief minister, governor and the Chief Justice of Bombay High Court — one would assume that at least D-Ward would be devoid of any problems. But while this ward is certainly better off than some others, it has its own share of issues.

Several roads in D-Ward, like this one near Nana Chowk, are riddled with potholes, causing torment to motorists as well as pedestrians. Pic/Bipin Kokate

D-Ward is also a historical and cultural hub with well-known landmarks such as Opera House, Kamla Nehru Park, Raj Bhavan, August Kranti Maidan, the AC Market and Wellington Sports Club. It is also where the city’s tony addresses are located, such as Malabar Hill, Napean Sea Road, Walkeshwar, Haji Ali, Grant Road and Peddar Road. Despite this, the BMC is guilty of neglecting some long-standing issues that plague this ward and its residents, including the municipal chief.

Ruined roads: Halfway through the monsoon, a number of roads in D-ward are riddled with potholes. The roads near Nana Chowk, leading to August Kranti Maidan and Babulnath, have a number of large craters that are causing torment to motorists as well as pedestrians. Napean Sea Road and Carmichael Road are also in a similar condition.

Pedestrian problems: Like the rest of Mumbai, this ward too has a dearth of footpaths. The few pavements that have been built have been encroached upon by slum dwellers, hawkers, roadside stalls. Food stalls not only cook on the footpath, but also put up tables and chairs for their customers. mid-day spotted such encroachments on pavements along Kemps Corner, Napean Sea Road, near Haji Ali and around August Kranti Maidan. Footpaths were missing near Priyadarshini Park, Malabar Hill and Walkeshwar, forcing pedestrians to walk on the roads instead.

Nasty noise: Noise pollution due to incessant honking is a matter of concern in the ward. This menace is rampant even in silence zones, such as on Peddar Road, which has Jaslok Hospital, and on the back road, which houses Breach Candy Hospital. The area around Bhatia Hospital too is very noisy. A number of schools and colleges are also in the area, and the noise pollution is a concern for them, too.

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