Govandi makeover with BMC's Mission 24

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), in collaboration with two NGOs, has started a project, ‘Mission 24’ to develop the M/east ward (Govandi) area, which was launched by cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday at the BMC headquarters. A total of 24 initiatives will be undertaken as a part of the project, of which the initiative to set up a learning centre for school dropouts, constructing foot-over-bridges (FOBs) and refurbishment of the existing community toilets will be a priority.

The project aims to improve the quality of life for the people living in the said ward that includes the slums of Shivaji Nagar, Deonar, Mankhurd within 24 months. The NGOs involved in bringing the project to life are Apnalaya and Mumbai First. They will work on the project in partnership with BMC, which will act as the principal stakeholder.

‘Mission 24’ intends to make disable friendly schools, maternity homes, health posts and aanganwadis, development of community toilers and more open spaces a reality in the ward. Also, in order to provide the commuters with a safe passage, FOBs are suggested along the Mankhurd-Vashi road, parallel to Harbour line. “The project is just a like a cricket match, we need to be persistent with our contribution,” said Tendulkar.

According to the facts presented by NGO Apnalaya, the area ranks the lowest in Human Development Index (HDI) as compared to other administrative wards. “It is disturbing that the M/east warn is at the bottom as per the human development index,” said Tendulkar, expressing concern.

The BMC had also charted out certain plans in its risk assessment, which were prepared while drafting the development plan 2034. “We have studied both the lists, ours as well as the one prepared by the civic body. Some of the priorities were common in both and the ones that were missing were added from our side,” said Dr Arun Kumar, chief executive officer, Apnalaya.