Flanked by modern high-rises on one side and some of the city's oldest settlements on the other, Mumbai's E Ward stands as a true urban melting pot. This eclectic character is mirrored in its complex political landscape, where seven electoral wards are represented by six different political parties. However, beneath this vibrant diversity lies a simmering civic crisis marked by encroachments, acute water shortage, and a severe parking crunch.
A Political Mosaic and Its Civic Challenges
Home to a substantial electorate of 3.16 lakh voters, the E ward encompasses seven electoral wards numbered from 207 to 213. The political map here is a fragmented one. In the 2017 civic polls, ward 207 was won by the BJP. Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Ramakant Rahate secured ward 208, while Congress's Sonam Jamsutkar held fort in ward 210. The political tapestry further includes Yashwant Jadhav, a senior Shiv Sena UBT leader now with the Eknath Shinde faction, in ward 209.
Samajwadi Party's Rais Shaikh represents ward 211, and the area encompassing Dagdi Chawl (ward 212) is under the sway of former corporator Geeta Arun Gawli from Akhil Bhartiya Sena (ABS). Finally, Congress's Javed Juneja holds the 213 ward, covering the Kamathipura and Nagpada belt. While no single party commands a clear majority locally, the ward broadly aligns with the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance on the larger stage, with Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Arvind Sawant as the MP from Mumbai South and Congress's Amin Patel as the MLA from Mumbadevi.
The Core Civic Issues: Encroachments, Water, and Parking
As the ward braces for a complex political contest, long-neglected civic problems have taken center stage. With large settlements tucked into narrow lanes, residents highlight the severe lack of space for both vehicles and pedestrians due to rampant encroachments. The congestion is compounded by an almost complete absence of green spaces. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) records reveal a startling fact: despite sprawling over 7 square kilometers, the E ward houses only seven open spaces.
Former corporator Javed Juneja pinpointed the parking crisis, stating, "Most homes here have at least two to three two-wheelers but nowhere to park them." He criticized the BMC's failure to implement the Town Vending Policy to organize hawkers, which exacerbates the encroachment problem. The issue of crumbling infrastructure is equally pressing. The ward is home to at least 14 C1 category dilapidated buildings, with reports of house collapses becoming increasingly common.
Strained Resources and Heritage Concerns
The strain on essential resources is palpable. The emergence of redevelopment projects in an area dotted with century-old buildings has burdened the water supply and stormwater drainage systems, particularly in old villages. A resident of the heritage precinct of Matharpacady village lamented the declining conditions. "Being on a hill, we already experience low water pressure. The rise of redeveloped buildings all around has strained the supply further. Even regular electricity supply has become a major problem over the past few years," the resident told The Indian Express.
Juneja also highlighted a funding freeze that has crippled local development. The absence of elected corporators since 2022 has prevented improvements to essential civic amenities like stormwater drainage. "Besides drainage, we have not had the funds to carry out gully improvement projects, of which a maximum lie in the E ward," he explained.
As the ward moves towards elections, political players are gearing up. Despite his seat being reserved for women, Juneja confirmed that Congress plans to field a candidate to retain its hold on Kamathipura and Nagpada. MP Arvind Sawant, who heads the Sena UBT workers' wing, expressed confidence that his party would retain its seats comfortably. The political battle in this diverse ward will ultimately be fought on the bedrock of these unresolved, pressing civic issues that affect the daily lives of its 3.16 lakh voters.
