‘Raincoats’ for trees at Marine
Drive Marine Drive sea front is a wonderful experience one can have in Mumbai during monsoon. Getting drenched in the breaking waves and facing the gusty winds on the coast is a thrilling experience and people from far-flung places rush to Mumbai to get the experience. But, for the decorative plants on the divider along the Queen’s Necklace, this turns out to be a menace. As the waves break near the coast, water sprinkles — which are called salt sprays — and flutters in the air along with the wind. These salt sprays have a damaging effect on the plants.
AC local train fare hike deferred
The cool commuting on AC local train on the Western suburban route has completed six months. Except for a small incident when the commuters forced the local to be stopped due to non-working AC earlier this week, the travel experience of the first AC local has remained encouraging so far. The train is getting a good response and is also making good revenue. Hence, the railway administration has decided to continue with its introductory fare. A recent World Bank report, however, has suggested that the Railways should source the AC rakes on rent to expand the services which would keep the expenses under control.
Deadly side of Gulmohar
Gulmohar, the magnificent tree that has its origin in Madagascar, is commonly seen in Mumbai. However, this wonderful tree is now proving to be a killer tree for Mumbaikars. Gusty winds that marked the arrival of monsoon uprooted around 100 trees in the city this year. According to the figures published by the BMC, Gulmohar constitutes nearly half of these trees. Maximum deaths due to tree fall too have been attributed to Gulmohar this year. The tree tends to fall due to its shallow roots and the remedy is to grow native species is what the BMC officials have concluded for now.
Odd-even plan with a twist
The much debated odd-even formula of Delhi is likely to be tried out on Mumbai streets soon, but with a slight tweak. In the congested localities such as the Crawford Market and Kalbadevi precincts in the South Mumbai, the traffic police have decided to introduce odd-even parking on a pilot basis. The issue came up before the Bombay High Court through a PIL following which the traffic police came up with the plan of a pilot project for 15 roads. To decongest the roads, the scheme suggests reserve parking on one side of the road on even dates and on the other side on odd dates. The plan also includes bus lanes, new road signs, taxi parking spots and bays for handcarts and loading/unloading goods.
Abhijit Mulye
Our correspondent in Maharashtra
abhijit.mulye@gmail.com