A high-stakes, three-way contest is underway in the Vile Parle constituency, resembling the competition seen in the 2019 assembly elections. The election field in 2019 had been marked by the participation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). However, this time, a shift in the political landscape has been caused by a seat-sharing adjustment made by the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which has allotted the seat to Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray), replacing Congress.
Long-Standing Stall Development
The air funnel zone surrounding Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has been identified as a key issue impacting the constituency. Redevelopment projects have been stalled due to strict height restrictions along the flight paths, restrictions that are further exacerbated by the airport’s dual runways. While commitments to resolve this issue have been repeatedly made, no significant steps have been taken, leaving residents and developers frustrated. For nearly two decades, demands have been raised to address these limitations, with suggestions made by community leaders to implement Transferable Development Rights (TDR) for developers as a possible solution to support redevelopment and reduce risks for residents of aging structures.
Unresolved Concerns
The BJP’s prolonged control at both central and state levels since 2014 has not resolved the air funnel concerns, with explanations pointing to complex policy requirements as the cause for delays. Recommendations to lower redevelopment project premiums were reportedly included in the city’s Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034, but this adjustment was not specifically extended to the air funnel zone. Criticisms have also been directed at this inaction, with the lack of progress being labeled as policy paralysis. Voters in Vile Parle, numbering about 275,325, are reported to be affected by poor living conditions, with nearly half residing in various slum areas, including Shashtri Nagar, Agripada, Ashok Nagar, Bamanwada, Sahar Village, and Chimatpada, some of which are located on airport land.
Additional Civic Issues
In addition to the air funnel restrictions and slum redevelopment concerns, a variety of other pressing issues have been reported in the constituency. Encroachments on open plots, increases in petty crime, a lack of well-equipped public hospitals, and inadequate maintenance of open community spaces have been highlighted. Instances of unauthorized water tanker operations and illegal garages on open plots in Marol have been noted by residents. Local forums have also drawn attention to the persistent issue of illegal parking, which remains unaddressed by authorities. These complex challenges have heightened the significance of this election, with the outcome anticipated to reflect the electorate's sentiments regarding the issues that have long affected the area.
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