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Multiplicity of Authorities: Need for a single Democratic Body

Is Mumbai’s democracy at stake with fragmented governance and weakened accountability?

Greater Mumbai established local governance through the Bombay Municipal Act of 1888 way before the 74th Amendment act, 1992, which provided for elected representatives responsible for planning decisions.

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Accountability is crucial, as elected officials can be held responsible for their actions, unlike bureaucrats appointed through resolutions. When planning is left to politically influenced bureaucrats, it often leads to irresponsible development that ignores community needs. Strengthening the role of elected officials ensures urban planning reflects citizens' priorities.

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 Yet ​Mumbai continues to endure the chaos of the fragmented governance and endless power struggles. 

Implications of Multiple authorities

  • The On-going Metro Project which is managed by the MMRDA, passes through and intersects with the roads, footpaths, storm water drainage, flyovers, sewage, supply which are BMC administered areas. This leads to challenges in coordination and repetition of already existing or recently built work.

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  • In the case of the on-going Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, there was a dispute between the MMRDA and the MSRDC for execution of the project, leading to delay. The Bombay HC ruled in the favour of MMRDA (State authority).

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  • Bandra- Worli Sea link or the Coastal Road is managed by the MSRDC which often requires coordination with the BMC and MMRDA due to its connectivity to local roads and services.

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  • BMC, MMRDA, MHADA, SRA, CIDCO, MSRDC, MRIDC, MbPt, Airport authority, Defense authority are all authorities involved in the planning of Mumbai development.

Planning and Research questions 

  • The above are clear examples of situations leading to Jurisdictional overlap, regulatory fragmentation, increased compliance cost, and policy conflicts. Greater Mumbai’s development is disrupted and democracy is at stake due to lack of devolution of functions to the elected local authority.

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  • No other Corporation in the country was performing such a wide diversity of activities as the MCGM and with these various agencies being established, there is:​

    • Lack of Disaster Preparedness, which stems from overlapping decisions, lack of communication, conflicting strategies, and delay in action.

    • Lack of accountability and coordination of services.

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  • All projects in Greater Mumbai need BMC approval to ensure effective planning and disaster preparedness. Introducing an additional authority could complicate governance and overlap functions, undermining the BMC's role in managing the Greater Mumbai’s diverse needs.

Strategic Framework 

  • An effort should be made to achieve separation between Policy Making Agency and Agencies responsible for Service delivery. 

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  • MMRDA and MSRDC should function solely as a planning agency, MHADA to play a role in increasing housing stock in the area of repairs and reconstruction of pre 1941 buildings.

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  • SRA to be abolished and its function should be performed by the MCGM as a part of its normal development activities.

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  • Entrusting more powers to a democratic body and making it the sole authority for development of Greater Mumbai, which is close to the citizens would result in a responsible civic administration.

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  • Bringing about democratic accountability and transparency in the centre and spirit as envisaged in the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act.

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