The Brave Pedestrian

Mumbai, 31st January, 2018: After RTI Act was enacted in 2005, activists were filled with optimism that the system could be reformed. We believed that MCGM would enforce DC Regulations, Fire Safety norms, etc. if we pointed out violations by builders, hoteliers, contractors, encroachers, slumlords, politicians, etc.  Sadly, our experiences in the last decade have proven us wrong. WE WERE WRONG ABOUT MANY THINGS 1) Earlier, we believed that INFORMATION COMMISSIONERS, APPELLATE TRIBUNALS & COURTS would uphold us with straightforward interpretations of laws and rules. We were wrong.  2) Earlier, we believed that the establishment would HONOUR AND PROTECT RTI ACTIVISTS and whistleblowers. We were wrong. People who expose wrongdoings are termed as blackmailers. They are targeted by both sides.  3) Earlier, we believed that DEEMED CONVEYANCE would give home-owners control over their destinies. We were wrong. It only gives scope for more rampant c...

Mumbai, 2nd October 2013: Dilapidated buildings along the railway tracks near Masjid Bunder and Sandhurst Road railway stations are endangering suburban railway commuters, said activist Sulaiman Bhimani (9323642081, designerstouch11@gmail.com), in a complaint letter written today to various authorities including the Union minister for Railways, Chief Minister, Municipal Commissioner and others. He attached photos that indicated the precarious condition of the buildings, with several unauthorized and structures that threatened to fall down onto the railway tracks running only a few feet away. “In particular, a cluster of buildings at and near 25B Keshavji Naik Road, has unauthorized cantilevered construction on the top floor and illegal extension and additions and alterations at ground floor level. Also, the stone wall supporting the slope on the side of Sandhurst Road station is cracked and in danger of collapse. This may result in a landslide on the tracks,” alleged Bhimani in h...