Let’s collaborate to keep our city on the right track

The canopy in the garden

South Mumbai residents got two new open green spaces recently. One was a garden at Mantralaya. The other one in Cuffe Parade. Both were opened on a weekend evening in grand fashion, with mandap, music and the works.

The spaces always existed, but were largely inaccessible to the public. A long legal battle ensued before they were given to the public. The entire exercise though was made easier because there was a collaboration between citizens and former corporators, the local, area specific leadership. This in fact seemed key as a number of speakers highlighted collaboration in their speeches on the occasion.

This shows that people power, or the community coming together is powerful when it comes to local problems. Having said that, it is important that councillors also respond, and are alive and attentive to the area's problems. In fact, it is both sides that need to put in efforts and work seamlessly to win the small battles that are so important to keep the city ticking.

Collaboration also means, collaboration within. Locals must be united, Area Locality Managements (ALMs) must work together to reach a common and valued goal. If there are rifts within, one can have debate and dissension, but overall, come together for the larger good, the overarching aim will be lost amidst the infighting.

It is also witnessed many times, maybe not specifically in these cases but in the larger picture that it is a select few that tend to fight for community causes. This may be many but there are certain people who give their time, effort and at times even put themselves at some risk to make things happen by either pressing for removing encroachments or effect a clean-up drive or tackling a parking problem. While not everybody can contribute to all causes, we need to have more people as support and workers. Collaboration is a win-win prospect.