15 ideas for Mumbai in 2015

New Year

Mumbai forecast 2015

1. Open up public buildings for tourists
Why not allow access into our public landmarks so people can get a feel of how they function, thereby increasing respect and a sense of civic sense too? Heritage walks like these will help create awareness and are a great way for locals and tourists to explore Mumbai.

2. Support Maharashtra's weaves
Many people don't buy Indian weaves because they are sold by people who overprice it. The state government should introduce a genuine, one-point online shopping portal to support our state's weavers and showcase the state's rich weaving legacy at affordable prices.

3. Green classrooms
Instead of teaching Environmental Studies as a bookish subject, school curriculum should include/introduce more practical sessions on kitchen farming, composting, nature walks as well as nature trails in and around the city's green lungs.

Illustrations /Amit Bandre

4. Better use of abandoned mills and warehouses
Transform abandoned mill spaces and warehouses into fun festival venues and spaces for urban art, pop-up and cultural events. This can be a step to make things safer. We liked what we saw with the transformation of the Richardson & Cruddas warehouse in Byculla (W) for weekend music gigs.

5. Organise more artwalks
People might be less daunted to visit galleries if there is a more relaxed atmosphere and if they can be guided during their visit, all of which is possible with artwalks. Plus, it allows you to visit several galleries at a go.

6. More power to street theatre
City and travelling theatre groups should now introduce content on bold subjects that will educate and make new audiences aware of such subjects that are otherwise restricted to an audience who already know.

7. Public information kiosks
Information about public policies, projects and plans should be made accessible to public via information kiosks in public offices, libraries, etc or restricted but free Wi-Fi hotspots that make institution /department-run websites and information accessible to public free of cost.

8. Longer deadlines for nightclubs
Globally, cities are characterised by a vibrant nightlife and cities acquire an allure of their own during the night. In Mumbai, it's time we allowed clubs to have a longer deadline and offered more activities and options for night owls.

9. More Mumbai-centric apps
It's high time that city -centric apps work well and provide information in real time, and are not free portals to ads. Train and bus delays, schedule changes, updates on public art and cultural events need to be made more accessible to the public in real time, and more so, from the state-sponsored institutes, museums and libraries.

10. Music fests in the sea
This would be incredible if it happens. Bands/artists can perform on the boats lined up at Gateway of India and thus, create a stunning spectacle to be enjoyed in a unique set-up.

11. GPS trackers in Mumbai's autorickshaws
The city could do with this crucial safety measure that is used by lakhs of commuters, all day, and all night too.

12. Better network connectivity
At a time when the world is enjoying the perks of 4G, Mumbai is struggling for better 3G or 2G connectivity. Call drops and slow Internet speeds are common even in well-connected areas. For a country that has entered the Mars orbit, poor connectivity, is unacceptable.

13. Sunday skywalk fair
On Sundays, skywalks can be used for food and fashion pop-ups. With its enclosed space, patrons will be able to enjoy this without extreme weather elements too.

14. Mobile vans for food
Local eateries can start mobile vans serving their specialties in different parts thus ensuring that the suburban can taste the best of SoBo, and vice versa.

15. Promote Mumbai's local history
The island city and its suburbs is home to historic and natural treasures, including its forts, and other landmarks. A renewed campaign should help restore, clean and promote these sites as tourist destinations for Indian and international visitors alike.