Mumbai Beautification: Street Optics
Has 'arbitrary' become the theme for Mumbai's beautification ?
On 9th December 2022, the Chief Minister announced around ₹1700 crore towards beautification projects in Mumbai. However, the term "beautification" has become somewhat ambiguous, often overshadowing fundamental urban challenges such as urban pedestrianisation mobility, affordable housing, better open spaces and road safety that have a greater impact on daily life.
With substantial funds allocated, citizens expected real infrastructure improvements. Instead, they have seen wall paintings, animal installations, reworked medians, garish street lights and trees decorated with lights, prompting questions about priorities resulting in tax payers’ money used callously towards creating a poorly curated show on the streets.
At UCM, we have observed the ongoing beautification efforts in Mumbai, and we firmly believe that the work undertaken has detracted from the city’s authentic visual identity. Our goal is to ensure that the funds allocated for beautification are not wasted on transient and ill-conceived projects, but instead invested in long-term solutions that will sustainably improve the lives of all Mumbaikars.
Facts and Reports
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As envisioned by the Government of Maharashtra, the ‘Mumbai Beautification Project’ has been taken up since December 2022. This includes improvement and beautification of footpaths, dividers and traffic islands mounted with sculptures, street furniture, electrification and utilisation of space below flyovers, seacoasts and gardens, painting of walls, installing digital hoardings and provision of SUVIDHA toilets.
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Total Expenditure of ₹1729 crore has been incurred for beautification work in Mumbai.
Issues/Implications
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All the beautification projects lack clear objectives and were carried out independently at various levels of BMC and Government, they were only cosmetic rather than transformative, disconnected from residents' daily needs due to poor planning and a lack of cohesive themes and they don’t necessarily address more pressing infrastructure challenges like traffic congestion, inadequate pedestrian pathways, poor sanitation or the need for green spaces.
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Cheap materials used for the Mumbai Beautification Project lead to a frequent need for repairs and replacements, as installations degrade and must be patched up or repainted to maintain appearances. This creates an ongoing maintenance cycle, which is both costly and unsustainable.
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In some parts of Mumbai, LED lights have been installed at traffic signals, even where the signals themselves are broken. In other areas, fairy lights are wrapped around streetlights, though basic electricity remains unreliable.
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Misuse of public funds on short-lived projects can erode trust in government spending.
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What is this beautification? What do these projects entail? Are they genuinely necessary for the city's development?
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Moreover, do they address the pressing utility needs of the urban population, or are they primarily focused on visual appeal?
Strategic Framework
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For Mumbai, with its unique cultural heritage and significant urban challenges, beautification efforts should be carefully planned and executed with community participation involving local residents.
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Setting up an art commission which would serve as a governing body for Mumbai could be established to curate and oversee public art projects across the city that resonates with the city’s culture, integrate with the environment, and be sustainable enhancing the city’s character rather than adding superficial flair.
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Instead of murals, the city could create a well-functioning urban infrastructure, including walkable streets, reliable public transit, effective waste management, and safe roads that directly enhance the quality of life and safety for residents.
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For instance, instead of focusing solely on beautification, urban projects should include green infrastructure, such as parks that act as rainwater catchment areas or solar-powered lighting systems, which are both functional and environmentally friendly.