Reconstruction and traffic top the woes

Name: Mangesh Sangle, MNS
Constituency: Vikhroli
Areas: Kannamwar Nagar, Surya Nagar, Kanjurmarg
Issues:  The major issues in this constituency are the redevelopment of the large number of housing board buildings here, constructing a foot bridge over the Central Railway tracks, the growing slums, rising traffic congestion due to the pending work of an 80ft road in Bhandup (East), and the new dumping ground in Kanjurmarg. Kannamwar Nagar is the biggest residential area in the constituency. Redevelopment of the old buildings here is a big issue with voters. Residents of both Vikhroli and Kanjurmarg are facing problems due to the new dumping ground.

Priorities: I will try to solve the problems caused by the dumping ground. Also, the issue of redevelopment of housing board buildings in Kannamwar Nagar is on top of my agenda.

Time Frame: One year

Name: Ram Kadam, MNS
Constituency: Ghatkopar (West)
Areas: Amrit Nagar, part of Vikhroli Park Site, Bhatwadi, Sarvoday Chowk, Jagdusha Nagar, Damodar Park
Issues: Almost 60% of this constituency is located on hillsides. Shortage of water is the biggest problem here. Narrow lanes and traffic congestion are routine. Small-scale industries in the area are facing a financial ruin. The subway connecting western and eastern parts on the Eastern Express Highway collapsed just a month ago. There is no alternative connectivity alongside the highway.

Priorities: I will start a 24x7 office for the people of my constituency so that they do not have to miss work to meet me. I will depute professional staff who can handle all problems of the residents, including dealing with the police and hospital authorities of the area. I will ensure that the all the people feel at home in the office.

Time Frame: One month

Name: Baldev Khosa, Congress
Constituency: Versova
Areas: Jogeshwari (West), Millat Nagar, Lokhandwala Complex, the area to the left of JP Road from Andheri station to Seven Bungalows, and thence to Versova village, including Yari Road
Issues: There are few slums in this constituency. But the metro rail project has caused big trouble at JP Road. The area also faces major water and drainage problems. It lacks sufficient amenities like colleges, schools, and good hospitals for its rising population. There are no streetlights on old Lokhandwala Road while Yamuna Nagar in Andheri (West) is plagued by bad roads, waterlogging, and encroachment by hawkers.

Priorities: A 270 ft underground tunnel is coming up by June 2010. That will solve the area’s water problem. I will also get a bridge built on the creek near Lokhandwala so people can go directly from Versova to Malad, reducing the burden on JP Road.

Time Frame: Not specified

Name: Sardar Tara Singh, BJP
Constituency: Mulund
Areas: Mulund (East), Mulund (West), Gavanpada, Nanepada, Navgharpada
Issues: Issues: The gaothan areas of Gavanpada, Nanepada, and Navgharpada are still undeveloped. The demand for extra FSI for the development of the gaothans is pending. Housing societies on forest land are a major issue in Mulund (West). Apart from that, the declining industrial area and traffic congestion are major factors. Residents have been demanding autorickshaw services up to Thane, but their demand is pending. The proposed skywalk in Mulund (West) and the dumping ground in Hari Om Nagar are also problems.

Priorities: I will develop a modern garden for children and open bank accounts for 50,000 schoolchildren. I will try to stop the unnecessary toll plaza in Mulund (West) and close the dumping ground. I have identified around 500 poor people and will supply them rice and wheat free.

Time Frame: One year

Name: Chandrakant Handore, Congress
Constituency: Chembur
Areas: Suman Nagar, Sindhi Camp, the area near Chembur station, Diamond Garden, Siddharth Nagar, PL Lokhande Marg
Issues: Water shortage is a major problem in large parts of the constituency. Most of the population in this constituency lives in slums. Redevelopment of these slums is another major issue for the new MLA. Traffic jams are routine for residents of Chembur. Commuting from this suburb has become an ordeal. Air pollution in Chembur remains high.

Priorities: The monorail project and bridges to ease traffic jams are my
priority. Next on the list is the redevelopment of slums. I will try to get bigger houses for slum dwellers in my
constituency. To reduce pollution, I
will work for more open spaces and green cover.

Time Frame: Four years for the monorail project and bridges

Name: Varsha Gaikwad, Congress
Constituency: Dharavi
Areas: Dharavi
Issues: Redevelopment of the vast slums of Dharavi remains the main
issue here. The new MLA believes the project is a must to improve the living standards of residents.  There are no good educational institutions in Dharavi. The area is teeming with small entrepreneurs, including women, but they could do with help in marketing their products. Despite the large number of small-scale industries in Dharavi, unemployment also remains a major problem in the area. Of late, transport has also become a problem.

Priorities: Redevelopment of Dharavi is my priority. I will try to complete the work during my tenure in the legislature. I hope at least three-fourths of the project will be completed in my tenure in the assembly.

Time Frame: Five years for the complete redevelopment of Dharavi