Making Mumbai Free of Rodents: Maharashtra Minister Assigns Targets to Civic Body

Maharashtra School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar has assigned multiple targets, including making Mumbai free of rodents and setting up day care centres for senior citizens, to the local civic body. The minister also plans to introduce food courts in fisherfolk villages.

The Maharashtra School Education Minister, Deepak Kesarkar, who is also in charge of Mumbai City district, has set multiple targets for the local civic body to accomplish within specific deadlines. These goals include making Mumbai free from rodents and establishing day care centres for senior citizens. The announcement was made during an interaction with reporters at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters.

Rodent Menace and Civic Responsibilities

Kesarkar emphasized that one of his major tasks as the guardian minister is to rid Mumbai of its rodent problem. This issue is particularly severe in areas such as Girgaon and Parel where garbage disposal between house gullies contributes to the proliferation of rodents. As part of his mandate, Kesarkar has assigned 42 to 43 different deadline-based targets to the BMC, which currently operates under an administrator following the end of corporators' term early last year.

Introduction of Novel Concepts

Beyond ongoing projects, two novel concepts are due for implementation in Mumbai - day care centres for senior citizens and food courts in koliwadas (fisherfolk villages). Drawing inspiration from global practices including those prevalent in European countries, Kesarkar revealed plans to commence two pilot facilities offering day care services for elderly citizens. He further proposed subsidizing meals through Shiv Bhojan thalis and scheduling regular health check-ups at these venues.

Development Plans and Targets

The minister has set a two-month target for BMC to establish food courts in koliwadas with three sites already selected in Cuff Parade, Mahim and Worli areas. Additionally, development plans are being considered for popular spots like Banganga Tank, Mumbadevi Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple among others. "Mumbai is as beautiful as Europe but we have to make it better," Kesarkar asserted. He also encouraged the BMC to explore possibilities for underground markets in the city, akin to those in New Delhi and develop Fashion Street, a market for ready-made clothes in South Mumbai.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Kesarkar has urged the civic body to introduce double-decker mini buses for children visiting Rani Baug Zoo. In response to concerns about the financial condition of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), he assured that modernization was underway which would prevent losses. He also suggested that similar to Maharashtra government's aid provided to State Transport Corporation (MSRTC) for purchasing electric buses, BMC should support BEST in buying electric buses for Mumbai.

In conclusion, Minister Kesarkar is determined on improving Mumbai's civic conditions through various initiatives including rodent control measures, establishment of day care centres for senior citizens, setting up food courts in fisherfolk villages among others. His vision includes making Mumbai as attractive as European cities by developing popular spots and exploring innovative ideas like underground markets and Ferris wheels akin to London's 'Eye'. With these ambitious plans underway, residents can look forward to an enhanced living experience within their beloved city.