पुर्वीचा नाला व साफ झाल्यानंतराचा
Dharavi slum is in the heart of the city accommodating population of over 9.00 lacs, 3 times than the area can accommodate. This is a densely populated area, accommodating slum dwellers of different cast, creed, religion etc. They live together but otherwise divided because of abovementioned factors. This area has been given bad name because of accommodating antisocial activities where such activities profiles and nurture in such conducive atmosphere. But that was not the true representation of the people. Somehow there were no efforts from Administration or Politicians but only excuses. But Shri Dalvi is not a type of personality who will accept the issue at its face value but eager to face challenges.
The footage of experiment was really commenced on 18-10-1997 when Shree Subhash Dalvi went around many slum areas to interact with the local masses to understand their problems, to win their confidence and to assure them positive results. He went on addressing the group meetings in 3 months or 90 days. He addressed 175 such meetings, which comes to practically 4 meetings a day. The meeting used to start at 6.00 AM and last meeting used to get over sometimes in midnight or even beyond that. Time schedule of the meeting was carved out according to the conveniency of the local people and free time available to them. He was adjusting the meetings according to the need and mood of the people and probably that is one of the reasons of key of his success. He initially studied the psychology of the people and where religion and faith plays an important role in their social life. Similarly, police personnel are highly recognized and respected in the locality. He prepared a strategy of mixing of religion and police stations together to propagate his ideas and concept of cleanliness, which provided major breakthrough.
The first phase of operation was to regain the confidence of the people and bring back self-respect vis-a-vis importance of clean environment, personal health and hygiene. He succeeded in his experiment on account of his direct involvement with the people and more particularly
ladies and children. Rather than getting the work done through Municipal agencies, he conceived the idea of Shramadan (Local participation of the people). This was necessary as cleanliness in the area was supposed to be maintained by the local people themselves and where dependency in other agency may not have worked as such arrangement cannot be permanent.
ladies and children. Rather than getting the work done through Municipal agencies, he conceived the idea of Shramadan (Local participation of the people). This was necessary as cleanliness in the area was supposed to be maintained by the local people themselves and where dependency in other agency may not have worked as such arrangement cannot be permanent.
One by one area was transformed into a change, small houses/by lanes/gallies or open space was converted into a good clean place. Mouth to mouth publicity from area to area worked well. Press appreciated the efforts. Local youths particularly ladies formed the committee who went
of taking responsibility of maintaining cleanliness. Slowly and gradually, one by one locality went on changing. The small experiment worked out to be big change in 3 months period. It is pertinent to highlight the mindset of Administration prior to this experiment. Administration was not ready to spend the funds, as many of the areas were not under Municipal jurisdiction. In many of such areas, civic services were not the legitimate duty of Municipal Authority. Because
of diagnostically opposite ideas and situation, the problems went on increasing. However, this experiment brought a change. Administration was willing to part the funds if it is one-time efforts. This formula worked and therefore, there was sea change in the area. One time dirty and ugly Dharavi was transformed into a reasonably good area. These efforts had been appreciated at all levels.
of taking responsibility of maintaining cleanliness. Slowly and gradually, one by one locality went on changing. The small experiment worked out to be big change in 3 months period. It is pertinent to highlight the mindset of Administration prior to this experiment. Administration was not ready to spend the funds, as many of the areas were not under Municipal jurisdiction. In many of such areas, civic services were not the legitimate duty of Municipal Authority. Because
of diagnostically opposite ideas and situation, the problems went on increasing. However, this experiment brought a change. Administration was willing to part the funds if it is one-time efforts. This formula worked and therefore, there was sea change in the area. One time dirty and ugly Dharavi was transformed into a reasonably good area. These efforts had been appreciated at all levels.
Shri Subhash Dalvi was felicitaed by Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra Mr. P.C. Alexander in a function on 30th January 1998 when Clean India Campaign was to set off by the Govt. of India to commemorate Gandhi Punyatithi. He received full praise by Hon’ble Governor, Administration and also by Grand Daughter of Mahatma Gandhi Dr. Usha Mehta.
In Dharavi experiment, following objectives were achieved:
Well knitted communal harmony within group of different culture and different religions. At the initial stage, only 125 cu.mtr.per day of garbage was collected which was increased to 600 cu.mtr.per day Thus dumping of garbage on open plot, nallahs was stopped. Open plots were converted into Gardens or play grounds by Shramadan of the community. There has given a sense of ownership. Nuisance from stray animals flies, mosquitoes were reduced.
The problem of contaminated water was reduced by way of repair of pipes, re-aligning the same and taking remedial measures. The health standard of people has been improved because of environmental change in the surrounding and thus reduction in medical bills. Intensity of flood was reduced in many flood prone ares. More positive attitude was developed by Police Personnel and Municipal authority towards community. ¨ Dharavi got recognition in the Press, TV Media and as such it was a moment of pride to the community which had changed their attitude.
The Film Division had made the Documentary Film on Dharavi under Mr.Subhash Dalvi titling “Dharavi – a New Beginning” (H.M.380).
The problem of contaminated water was reduced by way of repair of pipes, re-aligning the same and taking remedial measures. The health standard of people has been improved because of environmental change in the surrounding and thus reduction in medical bills. Intensity of flood was reduced in many flood prone ares. More positive attitude was developed by Police Personnel and Municipal authority towards community. ¨ Dharavi got recognition in the Press, TV Media and as such it was a moment of pride to the community which had changed their attitude.
The Film Division had made the Documentary Film on Dharavi under Mr.Subhash Dalvi titling “Dharavi – a New Beginning” (H.M.380).
