All concerned citizens of Mumbai should thank Mumbai Mirror, a daily published from Mumbai, and Sanjay Manjrekar, famous cricketer, for taking up the issue of banishing banners/posters which spoil the skyline of Mumbai. Now that the municipal election is expected in the next few months, it is the right time to impress upon the political parties to shun this easy publicity. All concerned citizens and NGOs who want to improve the quality of life in the city should come together and prepare an agenda for the improvement of city – not just the removal of banners but improving road network, regular garbage collection and disposal, proper traffic control, electricity and water supply etc. They should support only those parties/candidates who adopt the citizen's agenda. Elected candidates should be made accountable with periodic meetings with the voters. This is a challenge and an opportunity for concerned citizens and the corporate citizens.
As far as hoardings are concerned, the famous American poet Ogdan Nash has put elegantly in these words : " I think that I will never see a billboard lovely as a tree. Perhaps, unless the billboards fall, I'll never see a tree at all". I would be dream come true if all the banners/hoardings are removed from the city and every company/politician plants a tree/sapling with its/his name so that we will have more shade and better air, and of course a good view of the city.
Feb.17,2011.
*****
.
