New Government, Old Challenges, Fresh Hopes

-Vedashree Mohite

Maharashtra is home to bustling cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, where dreams take shape every day. But beneath the glamour of Mumbai’s high-rises and Pune’s tech parks lies a different story overcrowded roads, garbage piles, and water shortages.

With the 2024 Vidhan Sabha elections bringing a new state government, people are eager to see if promises made during the campaign will finally address these urban problems. Will this government take action and deliver on its word? Let’s take a closer look.

Image Source: NDTV

The Promises That Sparked Hope

The 2024 Maharashtra elections brought big promises from political parties, aiming to address urban challenges.

The BJP pledged to transform Mumbai into a “world-class city” with affordable housing, better transport, and cleaner streets, while the MVA emphasized inclusive growth through slum rehabilitation, eco-friendly projects, and support for underprivileged families.

However, citizens remain sceptical, as similar assurances in the past often fell short. For instance, Bengaluru tackled traffic issues through metro expansion, and Indore set an example in waste management with strict policies and community involvement.

Maharashtra’s cities could learn from such successes, but turning promises into action will require strong political will, proper planning, and active public participation.

 

The Everyday Struggles of Urban Life

Living in a city like Mumbai or Pune has its own set of challenges. Despite being hubs of opportunity, these cities face problems that often leave residents frustrated.

Take Mumbai, for example. The city generates over 7,000 metric tons of garbage every day. Landfills like Deonar and Mulund are overflowing, causing health and environmental issues for nearby residents. Fires and toxic fumes from these dumps have become common.

In Pune, traffic congestion is a nightmare. Although it’s known as an IT and education hub, the city’s roads are crowded, and public transport is not sufficient. The metro project, which could ease traffic, has been slow to finish, leaving people to battle long commutes.

Nagpur, known for its industrial growth, struggles with water scarcity. During summer, many families depend on water tankers, as the regular supply often dries up. For a city aiming to attract businesses, such basic issues highlight a lack of planning.

These examples show how urban governance has failed to keep up with growing populations and rising expectations.

 

Tough Challenges Ahead

The new government faces an uphill task in tackling Maharashtra’s urban problems.

One of the biggest issues is the lack of funds. Urban local bodies like the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) have large budgets, but often, these funds are underutilized due to inefficiency and red tape. Without fixing these problems, even the best-laid plans will remain on paper.

Population growth is another challenge. Cities like Mumbai and Pune see a constant flow of migrants from rural areas in search of better opportunities. But this has led to the expansion of slums, with Dharavi being the most well-known example. Projects to redevelop slums often face delays, leaving millions to live in poor conditions.

Climate change is making things even more urgent. Rising sea levels threaten Mumbai’s coastline, while cities like Nashik deal with unpredictable rainfall and depleting green cover. Heat waves are also becoming more common, making cities less livable.

 

Stories of Success That Inspire Hope

Amid the challenges, some projects show that progress is possible with the right efforts.

The Mumbai Metro is one such example. Though delayed, it has started to make commuting easier for residents, showing that persistence pays off.

In Pune, the ban on single-use plastics is a small but important step towards reducing waste. It may not solve all problems, but it’s a sign that change can begin at the local level.

Nashik’s water ATMs are another success story. These machines provide clean drinking water at affordable rates, helping people avoid relying on expensive private suppliers. It’s a simple yet impactful solution to a big problem.

These examples show that focused action and innovative thinking can bring real results.

 

What Needs to Be Done

To truly improve cities, the government needs a clear plan and strong execution.

One solution is empowering local municipal bodies. By giving them more independence and resources, projects can move faster. Decentralized governance ensures that local issues are addressed without long delays caused by state-level bureaucracy.

Involving citizens in decision-making is equally important. For example, participatory budgeting allows people to decide how local funds should be spent. Whether it’s improving parks or fixing roads, this approach makes governance more effective and builds trust between residents and authorities.

Technology can also play a big role in solving urban problems. Cities can use apps to track waste collection, AI for better traffic management and data analytics to monitor water supply. These tools make governance smarter and more transparent.

Sustainability should be a top priority. Green initiatives like planting trees, promoting rainwater harvesting, and encouraging solar energy adoption can help cities cope with climate change. For example, creating “green roofs” on buildings can reduce heat and improve air quality.

 

What Lies Ahead

Maharashtra’s cities are at a crossroads. The new government has a golden opportunity to make a real difference. Cleaner streets, faster commutes, and sustainable living are not just wishes—they are basic needs for people living in urban areas.

However, promises alone won’t be enough. What matters is whether these plans are turned into action. The government will need to work closely with local bodies, involve citizens, and embrace innovation to deliver on its commitments.

At the end of the day, cities are not just about skyscrapers and flyovers. They are about the people who live, work, and dream there. A better urban future will mean a better life for millions of families across Maharashtra.

Citizens are watching and waiting with cautious optimism. The road ahead may be tough, but with determination and smart planning, Maharashtra’s cities can rise to become examples of progress and hope.

References

• “Challenges in Urban Governance,” The Indian Express.
• “Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha Elections 2024: Promises and Prospects,” Times of India.
• “Waste Management Woes in Urban India,” Hindustan Times.
• “Climate Risks for Coastal Cities,” Down to Earth.
• “Smart Cities Mission: A Slow March to Progress,” Economic Times.

Vedashree is an MA (Politics) student at Mumbai University.