etcetera

The so called elites of Mumbai have got involved into controversies recently. First there was an opposition to the Pedder Road Flyover, with high-profiles like Lata Mangeshakar allegedly threatening to leave Mumbai. And yesterday there was a bust-up at Malabar Hill over the parking issue, which resulted in some Police were attacked by the elites in the nearby buildings. Isn't this behaviour arrogant and haughty?

There have been many flyovers built in Mumbai in the last decade. However, no flyover has raised as much debate as Pedder Road Flyover. Some have suffered from the flyovers in the past, but it hadn't raised much hubbub as this one, as people know that they have to give something to gain something. The residents of Pedder Road claim that they are going to face inconvinience after building flyover and hence this project should be cancelled. Because of their clout in the Government they have been successful in delaying the project by 2-3 years. If there had been any opposition in any poor areas, then it would have been crushed ruthlessly ( e.g. look at Narmada Sarovar project). But this is different case. It involves a lot of high-profile people. So even after the expert reports Government is reluctant to go ahead with the project.

Is might of money overpowering public interest? Isn't the wider interest of public more important than a bunch of people? Governement should not budge under the pressure from these people and should go ahead with the project to reduce the traffic congestion, which would help ordinary Mumbaiite. That would be victory for common man in Mumbai!