Mumbai: 11-Year-Old Girl Writes To MLA Expressing Traffic Woes

An 11-year-old named Naisha Shetty, hailing from Samta Nagar in Kandivali East, Mumbai penned a letter to MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar, outlining the adverse effects of traffic congestion on the lives of the local residents.

Meanwhile, some people from the area have opted to seek the advice of an urban planner in their quest for a solution to the problem.

What's In The Letter?

In her letter to the MLA, Naisha, a seventh-grade student at Lokhandwala Foundation School, expressed, "I'm 11 years old, and for as long as I can recall, the traffic congestion on Akurli road has been a persisting problem."

"Often, my parents contemplate the idea of moving away from Lokhandwala, but I have an affection for Lokhandwala Township, and I'm not willing to part with this neighbourhood."

Traffic Problems in the Area

As reported by the Hindustan Times, enduring hours of being trapped in traffic congestion on Akurli road in Kandivali has become an exhausting experience for approximately 50,000 Lokhandwala Township residents. They depend on this road to access Thakur Village, leading to the Western Express Highway (WEH).

Frustrated by the prolonged wait for the implementation of the 1991 Development Plan, which includes a provision for a 120-foot-wide road, as well as the quest for an alternative solution to their daily troubles, the residents, both young and old, took matters into their own hands.

Having resided in the region for more than 16 years, Shetty pointed out that numerous factors are responsible for the severe traffic congestion. She mentioned that the road is narrow, there are mid-road U-turns, double parking by shared auto-rickshaws, reckless driving, and the scarcity of traffic signals. Additionally, the presence of heavy vehicles en route to factories and construction sites compounds the issue.

"We have contacted a local urban planner in our vicinity and assembled a roster of viable solutions that can be implemented in the near future," said Shetty.

More than 60 residents initially met with MLA Bhatkhalkar on October 21 to elaborate on the problem. Subsequently, on October 23 morning, a meeting was held involving the MLA, the BMC's ward officer, the ACP, and the traffic in-charge, Rane. Nearly 40 residents attended this extensive meeting, even though it was a regular workday. During this gathering, they presented their proposed solutions.

Time Govt Addresses Traffic Problem?

Mumbaikars have been enduring traffic challenges daily. It is high time to address this and speak about and take action on it.

To do that, the first step is to acknowledge that it's a shared problem. It affects not just one section of society but everyone who commutes within the city. It's not limited to a particular neighbourhood; it's an issue that plagues the entire city. We must recognise that the city's traffic woes are symptomatic of its rapid urbanization and infrastructure strain.

To make progress, we need the commitment of our political leaders, the expertise of urban planners, and the collective determination of the city's residents. The road ahead may be long and challenging, but with the shared goal of alleviating traffic congestion and improving the quality of life in Mumbai, we can work together to turn this dream into a reality.

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