The decision wasn't hard. It wasn't pitter-patter raindrop. The Rain Gods pounded down all night and continue to do so, making it idiotic to venture out. Unless you're an essential service like a doctor or fireman.
So far there is electricity here in Vashi, so the rain is feeling more like a 'reality show'. TV coverage is far better today - there are specific details available. Of what is working, and what is not. Rediff has an update time-stamped 10.30 am on areas to avoid.
The Met dept vindicates itself as the prediction of 'heavy to very heavy rainfall' comes true. There's been 200 mm of rain in Santacruz and 150 mm in Colaba.
Nothing to do but sit and wait it out... And hope things get back to 'normal' soon. Normal is boring but just what the tired Mumbaikar longs for right now!
Hi Rashmi,
ReplyDeleteAnother week starts, only that people from the suburbs aren't there. And if for a moment we keep the human factor away, it isn't good business. Nariman Point, the financial hub of the country wears a deserted look today. And it isn't even real danger, it is the anticiaption of one, a "Terrible Monday" or something.
This is probably not the best time but comment on the Economic Times article, Is Mumbai fit to be a financial hub?, if you will.
Don't get me wrong, I love the place too, and I often tell my friends that it doesn't get bigger than this. But bigger isn't always better. I rather wish it was.
Best,
Rahul
Mumbai is not fit to be counted among the 'great cities of the world'. Sue, the people are great but we've hyped the Mumbai spirit for years and years and looking away from basic problems. Suburbs have grown without an iota of planning...
ReplyDeleteAlmost all the people I grew up with live abroad now. They went there to study and never came back... They figured we can't beat the system so let's escape it. And those of us left behind are also doing the same. You get sick of overcrowded locals so u buy a car and roll up the window.
Maybe the only good thing which will come out of all this is that we will reach that 'tipping point' where we won't accept a BMC which uses 90% of its budget to pay salaries of 6000 bucks a month to sweepers who haven't touched a broom in years!
Hmm, I have a suggestion. Lets have the next Miss India, who says that she wants to see a reformed India, give a jaddu ki jhappi a la Munna Bhai to those BMC sweepers. I think some will be ready for a paycut, and still gladly pick the broom.
ReplyDeleteAbout the unplanned growth, I can't quite form an opinion, I spent about 21 years of my life in Chandigarh, the most planned city, at least in India. But my friends who used to visit me, often went back lamenting the lack of a spirit of the city. I don't know whats bad about having predictable park locations, taking 3 right turns to come to same location where you started. I don't know what's bad about not having suddenly sprouting sabzi mandis, pan shops, and those things that apparently add to the spirit of a city. But then what do I know :)