In a significant move toward grassroots accountability, the Chandivali Citizens’ Welfare Association (CCWA) has released the “Chandivali Cha Manifesto” ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The document outlines 24 critical demands, ranging from an end to political self-promotion to urgent infrastructure upgrades, serving as a “contract of accountability” for aspiring corporators.
A Crackdown on Political “Brand Building”
The manifesto takes a firm stance against the defacement of public property. The CCWA has demanded that all aspiring Nagar Sevaks (corporators) take a formal Anti-Defacement Pledge, giving a written undertaking that they will not clutter the ward with illegal hoardings.
A central highlight is the demand to stop politicians from pasting their names and photos on public amenities funded by taxpayers. Using the catchphrase “Paisa Hamara, Photo Tumhara – Nahi Chalega!” (Our money, your photo – won’t work), the association is calling for an end to the use of public funds for personal political branding. Furthermore, the manifesto insists that candidates pledge not to misuse BMC funds to distribute “freebies” like cookers, sarees, and mixers to woo voters.
Demanding Digital Transparency
To ensure ethical governance, the CCWA has proposed bringing the BMC under the State Government’s online RTI system. To provide real-time accountability, the residents want a ward-wise dashboard on the BMC portal. This digital tool would display:
- All ongoing and completed works with contractor details and timelines.
- A clear breakdown of “Budgets Sanctioned vs. Spent.”
- Mandatory quarterly meetings between elected representatives and citizen forums to address grievances.
Infrastructure and “Pedestrian First”
Local infrastructure remains a top priority. The manifesto calls for the immediate completion of the 90-foot road connecting Andheri-Chandivali to the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR). It also emphasizes “Pedestrian Rights,” demanding the removal of hazardous gas cylinders from footpaths and the implementation of the “Pedestrian First” policy.
To prevent the constant cycle of road repairs, the CCWA has proposed the installation of utility ducts on roadsides to avoid repetitive digging. The document also demands a “pothole-free” commitment and effective monsoon planning to prevent chronic waterlogging.
Health, Environment, and Safety
The CCWA has flagged several environmental and safety concerns, including:
- Pollution Control: Strict enforcement against illegal bhattis (kilns) and Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants.
- Fire Safety: The immediate establishment of a fully functional fire station in Chandivali.
- Waste Management: New policies to eliminate garbage dumps on footpaths and roads.
- Social Equity: The total abolition of manual scavenging and the protection of public spaces from political encroachment.
Respecting the Public Mandate
In a bid to ensure political stability, the manifesto urges candidates to respect the public mandate by promising not to switch political parties after being elected. It also stresses that once a tender is allotted, the project must be completed on the ground rather than remaining only on paper.
Mandeep Singh Makkar, founder of the CCWA, stated that the manifesto is designed to shift the focus back to the people’s needs. “In a democracy, the mandate should be defined by the people. This list is more than just demands; it is a roadmap for how our ward should be governed,” he said.
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