Multilingual Mulund Ward Grapples with Civic Woes in Mumbai
Mumbai's T ward in Mulund presents a unique demographic landscape. This area boasts a relatively low population density compared to other city parts. A multilingual population calls this ward home. While Marathi, Gujarati, and Rajasthani communities dominate, more than 5000 families of Sindhi and Punjabi migrants have settled in Mulund colony.
Mulund colony stands as one of Mumbai's five largest settlements. It spreads over 100 acres of land. The colony finds itself surrounded by areas like Navghar, Mithagar, and Nirmal Nagar in the east. To the west, it stretches from Sanjay Gandhi National Park to Mulund Colony itself.
Transport and Traffic Challenges
Two major transport routes cut through this ward. The Eastern Express Highway and LBS Road provide crucial connectivity. They link Mumbai with Thane and Bhiwandi in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. However, these roads cause heavy traffic during morning and evening peak hours.
Residents from upper, middle, and lower income families coexist here. The ward is known for active civic participation. Yet multiple issues have sparked public anger recently.
Infrastructure and Rehabilitation Concerns
Poor infrastructure tops the list of grievances. An unresolved dumping ground situation persists. The proposed golf course project raises questions. Rehabilitation of Dharavi residents onto salt pan lands in Mulund has become particularly contentious.
Local opposition to this rehabilitation plan runs strong. Residents fear increased crime rates. They worry about infrastructure strain and population burden. Environmental damage to ecologically sensitive land concerns activists.
Lawyer and social worker Kamal Kotai lives in Mulund colony. He highlights ongoing problems. "CG Nagpal Road construction has dragged on for two years without completion," Kotai states. "Proper sewerage lines are missing. Electricity supply disconnects frequently due to road work."
Kotai notes the local MLA's absence. "The MLA has not visited even once in two years to inspect road work," he adds.
Hawking Menace and Safety Issues
Illegal hawking has emerged as a major flashpoint. Last December witnessed clashes between residents and hawkers occupying roads and footpaths. Mulund West area outside the railway station became particularly problematic. Traffic congestion and pedestrian inconvenience resulted.
Social worker Nirmal Thakkar shares a disturbing experience. "Last month, I raised the illegal hawking issue in my building's lane," Thakkar recalls. "One hawker followed me on bike to my building and allegedly threatened me."
Thakkar started recording a video during the confrontation. "Their tone lowered immediately," he observes. "These hawkers show no fear of BMC or police. BMC acted only after my video went viral and I registered a non-cognizable complaint."
Another resident prefers anonymity while speaking out. "Illegal hawkers and parking in Mulund West are major issues," this resident asserts. "BMC, police, and the local MLA have taken no effective action."
Political Landscape and Electoral Dynamics
Mulund has remained under BJP control since 1990. The 2017 BMC elections saw BJP corporators win all six electoral wards in T ward. Congress, NCP, and other parties failed to secure a single seat.
In the 2024 Assembly elections, Mihir Kotecha won for the second time from BJP. Current electoral contests show interesting dynamics across wards.
BJP's Anita Vaiti contests from ward number 105, reserved for women. She outlines priorities. "Mulund East roads need improvement," Vaiti states. "We will focus on concretising roads. Unauthorised slums will not be permitted. We plan to create proper hawker zones to prevent illegal footpath occupation."
The Mulund dumping ground has closed. Administration now attempts to build a golf course there. Meanwhile, rehabilitation of Project Affected Persons continues generating controversy.
Electoral Contests and Candidate Profiles
Former corporator Prakash Gangadhar represents BJP in ward 104. His nomination triggered resignations by two BJP office bearers. One tried contesting as an independent but faced nomination rejection.
Gangadhar faces strong competition from MNS's Rajesh Chavan. Congress's Hemant Bapat and NCP's Shivaji Khadtale also contest this ward.
In ward 105, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Archana Chavre challenges BJP's Anita Vaiti. Ward 106 features MNS's Satyawan Dalvi versus BJP's Prabhakar Shinde. A Sena (UBT) candidate withdrew here, preventing Marathi vote splits and strengthening Opposition challenge.
Ward 107 sees BJP's Neil Somaiya contesting again. He is former MP Kirit Somaiya's son. Major Opposition parties have not fielded candidates here. Somaiya faces only Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and independent candidates.
Local residents continue demanding better civic management. They seek resolution of hawking problems and infrastructure deficiencies. The Dharavi rehabilitation issue remains particularly sensitive in this multilingual Mumbai ward.
