Checking the VIP ward

A-Ward is truly unique in that it is a prime tourist area, a VVIP zone as well as a heritage precinct. Even so, it faces the menace of illegal hawkers, beggars, drug peddlers, and parking and traffic problems. In spite of these challenges, there are a few who rose to the occasion using WhatsApp groups, in addition to having an active and responsible MLA Shri Raj Purohit, who ensured that some of the menaces are curbed, if not eradicated completely. 

Shri B.K.Upadhyay, the then Jt. Commissioner, Traffic, had patiently heard the locals who approached him. He also visited the area to see the challenges faced by the residents regarding double parking. Due to this, the last quarter of 2014 has seen four traffic constables on duty every day—two in each shift. The nuisance has been curbed to an extent, although the lack of towing vans, especially on weekends, continues to create a few problems. 
Shri Milind Bharambe, the new Jt. Commissioner, Traffic, has assured us that he will continue the good work put in already. Shri Krishna Prakash, the ex-Additional Commissioner of Police, South Zone, walked alongside local residents, the DCP of Zone I and the Assistant Commissioner of BMC, post our meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Shri Rakesh Maria. He also created ‘An initiative of Colaba WhatsApp group’ through which CHCRA was able to follow up with the Sr. Police Inspector and DCP to get the beggars out of the area. 
Shri Raj Purohit, the BJP MLA of the Colaba Constituency, has been successful in working with CHCRA members to scrap the pay-n-park policy, which would have worsened the parking nuisance. This is because most of the area has already been abused by violators, including restaurants and their valet parking representatives who cause law and order problems.
As for the BMC, they seem to be non-existent in the area as they are not able to curb any violation due to vested interests. Once again, the MLA of Colaba Constituency has arranged a meeting with members of the Core Committee of Colaba to make the BMC and the police more accountable. 
Thanks to the support provided by the MLA of Colaba Constituency and a few responsible officers at the higher levels in traffic and police, the members of CHCRA have been able to bring in some semblance of sanity in the area, though it is still a long way ahead.