THE FUTURE OF TREES IN VILE PARLE EAST

It is a matter of pride for Parlekars that almost every street in Vile Parle East is shaded by large, old trees. Every lane has at least one unique tree. For example- right in the middle of traffic island on Hanuman Road, opposite Cafe Coffee day we have a majestic Shammi tree. And Vastu- Shobha folks have been kind enough to put a wire mesh around it to protect it.

A slow but steady de- treeing process is happening, however. First- the whole of Hanuman Road was concretised- now that has become a hot, sunny road. Then Nehru road followed suit. Then it was Mahatma Gandhi road. Slowly all roads will get concretised- old trees will get trapped into concrete barriers. I think they will weaken and die slowly or collapse suddenly. And During concretisation no space has been left for planting new trees. One good samaritan on Chittaranjan Road managed to save this tree by negotiating with authorities to leave some space around its roots. And he spent his own money to build a protection around it.

Lucky Tree on Chittaranjan Road

Many buildings in Vile Parle East are going into re-development. During this process most trees in and around the plot get cut. Trees in the building area, trees obstructing view, trees with deep and spread out roots and trees which obstruct well water access- which means almost all large trees are cut. The rule says that equal number of trees have to be planted by the builder before applying for OC. In reality- there is really no space to plant trees. Every permitted square inch is occupied by the building. Rest of it is converted into parking area. Now even underground parking is done. So just for name sake the builder puts ‘trees’. We see all manner of dwarf palms, frangipani, miniature ficus, etc. These trees are unable to provide the ecological services of temperature control, habitat- provision, water retention and soil conservation. They also die out in few years because the climate in Mumbai is totally inappropriate for them.  Thus the future of trees in Vile Parle East is indeed very grim. 

I feel some solution needs to be thought out soon- at this rate Vile Parle East will become a tree- less hot, dusty and dry place- also lifeless because there will be no place for the birds, insects and squirrels to live. One solutions strikes me as being pratical- large trees on roads- they will get enough space to spread above and under the ground. And medium sized but native trees in building compound. Buildings should be demarcated by use of hedges rather than walls, as they are more environment- friendly

Regards to Inspector Dhoble

A couple of years ago Inspector Vasant Dhoble was made in-charge of Vile Parle East. He did his job very deligently and we were able to actually walk around Vile Parle East ON FOOTPATHS cleared of encroachments. As it is bound to happen in case of anybody who works fast and by the book, Insp Dhoble was shifted out. Parlekars, in association with some local persons and BJP persons did a signature campaign to petition the Government to post him back here. Nothing came out of it.

Now we are back to walking on the roads dodging vehicles- both shopkeepers and hawkers have encroached on the walkways completely. And car owners are back to parking on footpaths- another reason for walking on the road.

Meanwhile, I read about the wonderful work Insp Dhoble is doing in tracing missing persons. A record number of boys, girls and adults- some as young as 2 years old have been rescued and reunited with their families. The credit belongs to the whole team, but I must say Insp Dhoble is an exemplary worker- always doing his best wherever he goes.

Now BJP is in power and I used to often think that they can submit all those signatures and get Insp Dhoble back here. After I read in the papers that he is doing so well in his current assignment, I felt the 'need of someone else in greater than Vile Parle's'. There is no doubt that tracing missing persons and breaking the backbone of human trafficking is more important than enforcing municipal anti-encroachment laws. I think now a good worker like Insp Dhoble should continue to do this work. I will not sign on any petition asking to post him back to Vile Parle, as long as he is in the 'missing persons- finding department.

I would however like it if his successor emulates him. Insp Dhoble can always guide him. And it is proven that Parlekars will give whole-hearted support.

Stray dogs in Parle East

About 15 years ago, I observed that Parle had 2-3 packs of stray dogs. These had increased dramatically around 2003-2004. Subsequently Parle has seen a decrease in number of dogs following enforcement of door-to-door garbage collection. I doubt if any formal dog census has been done; none of the dogs wear collars- which suggests that they are not under any kind of regular surveillance. 

About 5 years ago a young school-girl was attacked by a pack of dogs as she waited for her school bus in Tejpal Scheme. A horrifying incident, but had a short-lived impact. A few dogs were caught, then within weeks the matter died down. No further attention has ever been drawn to the subject thereafter. 

Now street dogs continue to be a common sight. Stray dogs are scary when they try to come close and sniff at you; never know what they are thinking. Any passer- by has a fair chance of injury when a dog- fight is in progress- which is quite often. Stray dogs do their toilet and copulation in full public view, which is a nuisance and health hazard. And there is ever present danger of getting Rabies.

Every lane in Parle East has a 'kind person' feeding the dogs- milk, biscuits, left-over food, chapattis and very occasionally ‘dog food’. The food is left at street corners, footpaths- most of the food left out for dogs is rejected by them and continues to lie there, creating nuisance to everyone. In addition to forming a stinking ugly heap, it attracts all manner of flies, crows and rats- and all in all the mess is really unbearable. My sympathies are for Parlekars who are forced to use the walkways claimed by these social workers as feeding spots.

Biscuits on footpath

Just doing the part-time service of feeding left-overs or inappropriate food (like PARLE G biscuits) is not enough. The dogs need affection, protection, medical care also.  I have been witness to the shabby treatment received by stray dogs- because no one is in- charge of them. People generally throw stones, kick them when they are sleeping peacefully, put water on them, etc. I have even witnessed a small dog being sexually abused by a drunk person- he was handling its genitals as well as his own- in full public view in the centre of PARLA Market.  It’s horrible.

 This stray dog problem is created and maintained by Parlekars only. Parlekars cannot expect MCGM to solve the problem by catching and culling the dogs or by sterilisation. After removing the dogs, if our habits don’t change, dogs will migrate from other areas- to eat the rubbish left around- and problem will recur immediately. Sterilisation will also not serve the purpose- the rule of nature is to increase population to consume available resources. So if dogs cannot re-produce, some will migrate from elsewhere. The problem needs to be sorted out- in a humane, sensible and scientifically- informed manner.

 Parlekars should stop throwing food and garbage everywhere. If one has so much sympathy for stray dogs, adoption is a good option. ‘Kind’ people should take full responsibility of the dogs-not only to feed them but to take proper care of them. If it is not feasible to keep dogs with them at home- a few Parlekars can come together to start a dog shelter- MCGM is bound to support such initiative. Or these Parlekars should rescue the dogs and admit them in shelters elsewhere. Dogs, too, are citizens and deserve a safe and dignified life.

PRABHODHANKAR THAKERAY UDYAN

Prabhodhankar Thakeray Udyan (PTU) is a prominent landmark in Vile Parle East. It is an open space belonging to the MCGM but given over to Shivaji Smarak Samiti for management under the adoption scheme.

Location- The huge open space is located at the North- Western side of Vile Parle East. It is bound on 2 sides by 'Tejpal Scheme' and one side by Shahaji Raje Road going between Shaan Theatre and Koldongri. The third side is bound by a line of Residential colonies forming the Northern boundary of Vile Parle East.

Surroundings- The two footpaths leading to this park are completely encroached upon by slums and box-shop hawkers- therefore these walkaways are practically not usable. You may, in fact, run into somebody having a bath or relaxing on their sofa- if you try to walk on these footpaths. Rest of the boundary is abutted by Residential societies. Luckily- these people seem quite cultured, as there is no evidence of garbage being discharged into the garden from here.

encroached upon footpath

Access- The open area is divided into two- one is a 'public access' landscaped garden while the rest (more than half) is a multi-utility sports complex. Both entrances are visible and easily accessible. There are guards and gates and access is free of dirt or garbage, though traffic is an issue. At the entrance of the sports complex one is welcomed by a huge mural of Shivaji Maharaj and stench of underground drain. I wish they could shift its opening elsewhere. The sports- complex is 'restricted access', manned by mean- looking guards demanding to see identity card- only members are allowed.

SPORTS COMPLEX ENTRANCE

GARDEN ENTRANCE

Size- Overall it is a huge garden. but sports complex has taken lot of space. In this also a huge parking area is provided, which is practically useless from point of view of 'recreational/ exercise activities' for which the open area is meant. I dont know the exact dimensions.

Waterbody- It has an olympic size swimming pool. The garden area has two defunct fountains which look like waterfalls.

Play material- In the beginning, good play ground material seems to have been installed. But now much of it is broken, some even dangerous to children. The toddlers play area perpetually stinks of urine- cant say who should be blamed- the users or the maintainers. Children are not allowed on the lawn or walking track- which is really mean and unfair. But Parle is anyway not child- friendly, so cant expect much. The reason given is- young children may harm or disturb the senior citizens walking there?!. There is a Ganapati temple where some senior ladies gather to sing bhajans very loudly (never mind the disturbance caused to youngsters).

Seating- Sufficient seats in good condition are available in the garden.  A seating area is provided in the sports complex.

Facilities- A majority of Parlekars owe their good health to this open space. It provides a very wide range of facilities ranging from gymnastics, skating, shooting, swimming- and has produced several sate and national athletes.   But membership and coaching fee is considerably expensive.Several people walk regularly here and walking groups are plenty, this is the free facilitiy. And inspite of taking such fees, the sports complex management frequently lets out space for private functions, political activities- which is disruptive and unfair. There is no remedy or redress for this- as Parlekars have no other option.

TODDLERS AREA

VERDANT GARDEN

GANPATI TEMPLE

General maintainance and security- This is the only well maintained open space in Vile Parle East. The landscaped garden is lovely- but I wish it had more large trees. It is very safe- both from anti- social elements as well as from accidents. It also has much fewer mosquitoes all year round, but still a general precaution of applying repellant is advisible.

Before visiting- Parking is not available. Sporting facilities are only for members and those enrolled in coaching; guest passes are almost never available. Please carry own water, but do not eat in the park. And go with empty bladder as toilet facilities are poor. Insect repellent is essential for garden visit. Children should not take any of their toys- there is no space to play. Strollers are not recommended. Wheel chair bound persons may use the walking track- it is wide enough. A sincere request to gossipers is- please walk on one side of the walking track so that serious walkers may not be obstructed in their endeavours.

Limitations- Even a cursory view of the open space will reveal that highest priority is being given to maintainence of sports complex, intermediate to landscaped garden and minimal to the toddlers facilities. The original promise was to use the funds generated for all- round maintainence, but it appears that funds are being used only to expand sports complex facilities. As landscaped garden is used by seniors, they are able to raise a voice- and this is getting some attention. Children are voiceless- and as usual have become the last priority here. It is also disheartening to see so many children forced to use the limited facilities of this park- as this is almost the only place available to them. The overcrowding invariably leads to severe rationing (and dis-satisfaction), fights and injuries to children and condition is very bad on weekends.

Recommendations- Management should urgently improve toddlers area and toilet- pay and use toilet facility should be provided. A small patch of lawn or flat open space to be provided- for toddlers to practice running. Dust-bins to be provided and cleanliness enforced as people are littering nowadays. I wish more space provided for the garden- but I know this is just wishful thinking.

 The coaching facilities also need to become more child- friendly and up-to-date- throwing a fearful screaming child into the swimming pool is not 'best practice' in swimming training. This open space has potential to support more trees- management should plant large fruit trees on boundaries which will give shade, provide hydrological service as well as attract birds- the ecological potential is still under developed.

Distance Education Course in Environment Management at IISc, Bengaluru.

Link
http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in

Introduction
For last 2-3 years I had been looking for a short term course to learn about 'environment related concepts'. I looked at local organisations- BNHS, IIT-B, NMIMS, Mumbai University, Pune University and a few NGOs in Mumbai and Pune- none offered anything. (Bachelors, Masters and Phd are available). I wanted a course that was short, not too demanding (because I already have a packed schedule) yet thorough and intellectually engaging. I also needed someone credible to teach/ be in- charge of this course. 'Environment Management'- Distance Education Programme by Dr T V Ramachandra of Indian Institute of Science, fit the bill.

Costs
The course is headquartered in Bangalore- so I had to travel for the contact programme and could not expect to avail freely of reference material from library/ regular interpersonal contact with faculty.  Thus even if the course fee was an extremely cheap Rs 15000/- , eventually the expenses came to 3 times of that. But still, it was worth every paisa and more.

Faculty
Dr TV Ramachandra (DRTVR) is the course coordinator and in charge. Dr T V R is an accomplished environmentalist. Other than having excellent academic credentials, he has several publications in prestigious journals and is a successful environment activist, too. Dr Harish Bhat's lectures are very engaging and informative. Dr TVR invites guest faculty and student lectures, which are also veryhigh quality.

Course Format
Sir is a very good teacher- a visionary one- the way he has thought out and implemented this course is quite amazing- there is  good reference material, reading list, interesting lectures- plus a wonderful mix of students from different backgrounds. Every student even gets a chance to polish skills of reading, writing, asking questions, summarising, giving opinion, presenting, chairing sessions, group discussion, leading and following. All in all- very ideal for all- round development of every individual student- in addition to giving knowledge about environment.

The assesments are thus all- round. There is constant evaluation by watchful faculty, plus assignments, projects and 2 exams.

Facilities
The IISc campus and fieled- trip sites are also very appropriate. The calm, cool atmosphere is conducive to relaxed learning. Sir also proved to be a very good host- as all arrangement for accommodation and food very excellent, overall. I never got a chance to visit library. But my course mates did and were happy- they also got good inputs from Sir's Department and colleagues.

Classmates
Every batch is bound to be different. Our batch of 2014- I think was among the best. As a Psychiatrist I know that it is quite unusual for 40 people, from competitive backgrounds to get along well. But we bonded very well. I found my course- mates to be very intelligent, decent and I learnt a lot of things from them. We also had a wonderful time, otherwise. The class mainly consisted of engineers and architects and IT professionals.

Course Level
Actually, I felt I was delving much too deep into certain technical concepts- more than I cared for. This was because I was looking for an 'introductory course' and was getting more like a 'professional one'. Nevertheless with persistent, gentle but firm encouragement from Sir I was able to take the subject in the right spirit and eventually complete the course.

Relevance

I have no doubt that my course mates from engineering and architecture backgrounds have found the course very relevant and achieved value-addition to their professions. I feel very lucky that I was able to do this course. But I admit that it was tough to concentrate on a subject that did not directly deal with humans. Very few people from the medical/ social science background may choose to do this course because of its very ‘engineering’ and ‘non human’ feel.This  is the only drawback of the course.

 A significant number of medical, social science and managerial professionals need to be given concepts of environment management. As they deal directly with people they can influence policies or formulate plans. And many are eager to know. So till such a time as an introductory- level course becomes available, I would recommend this course to them.

I sincerely wish that the Maharashtra Government and MCGM deputes at least 3-4 people from their Departments every year to this course.  It is really good and will benefit Maharashtra enormously.

Friends of MCGM

Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai or MCGM (BMC- earlier) is tasked with maintenance and repair of public properties and provision of civic services in Mumbai. My impression is: it has a huge, complicated and dirty responsibility- and manages reasonably well. There is scope for improvement on every front, but altogether they keep the city in working condition most of the times.

Most people in Vile Parle East who have interacted with the local ward office people in Gundavli have found the response within tolerable limits. Vile Parle East has a very significant number of 'active' citizens who visit the MCGM just to improve their surroundings- parks, open spaces, roads, healthcare, etc I should call them all 'Friends of MCGM'. F-MCGM are united by their positive attitude, perseverance and ability to 'get things done'. One such group helped to improve Sathe Udyan on Park Road about 6-7 years ago.

I think F-MCGM is a role many Parlekars can take up. A simple thing is to use the 'complaint system' more frequently. Through this we can be the 'eyes and ears' of MCGM. It works like this: as you go about your tasks daily, you may notice a pothole/ broken footpath/ overhanging dangerous tree branch...anything that needs attention. Log into http://www.mcgm.gov.in/; go to complaints section and inform MCGM about what you have seen. Save the complaint number and track its status. My experience is that mostly the MCGM takes cognizance and deals with the issue. Of course, they do it at sarkari speed only- and sometimes you will have to put the same complaint several times to get it addressed. But the time and effort required is so miniscule and the results so gratifying that it is worth doing.

One feature of the complaint system is that the complainant has to put in detail their name, address, phone and email. Now, for some mysterious reason, Parlekars are intimidated by the prospect of doing this. They would rather prefer to make anonymous complaints. I cannot understand this Psychology- but can reassure that no problem results from giving the details. Just sometimes the repairman may phone you to get the exact location of the problem. It just helps the MCGM do their task better. So this need not put anyone off making the complaints.

I just wish the MCGM adds an optional feature of posting photo of the problem. It will help the workmen to better visualise and even locate the problem. I hope they do it. And I hope the numbers of F-MCGM increases. 

BIRDS IN VILE PARLE EAST

THIS POST HAS LOT OF PHOTOS. NONE OF THE PHOTOS ARE TAKEN BY ME. I GIVE FULL CREDIT TO ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHERS.


Parlekars are lucky to have a fair number of bird species residing and visiting them regularly.

1. House Sparrow- spread all over Parle
   
2. Red vented Bulbul- in wooded areas
   
3. Magpie Robin- seen singing blissfully from tops of buildings or tall trees. Now is the time they have started. Sometimes it is difficult for me to do consultations as I am distracted by their lovely voices and perfect melodies
   
4. Rose ringed Parakeet- rumbuctious groups making a racket in the early mornings 
   
5. Kite- Unsually nest on tall coconut trees.
   
6. House Crow- Well we know they are everywhere
7. Rock Pigeons-
   
8. Barn Owl- Flat faced, beige coloured- usually live under flyover- visit residential areas at night

9. 

   Barn Owl

10. 
    
11. Purple rumped sunbird- The forenoon visitor to all balconies with blooms. Commonly mistaken for 'hummingbird' by Parlekars

    

    male sunbird
    
    

    1. 

       female subird
       

12. Greater Coucal- Some lucky buildings with old trees surrounded by bushes and quiet shaded areas. Thought to be 'lucky' to spot them
    
13. White breasted King fisher- Near some old wells. I have only heard calls, never seen one
14. White spotted/ browed fan tail flycatcher- Pretty little active bird- chirping- hopping from branch to branch with tail spread out like a fan. Spotted at height of about 1st-2nd floor of buildings on leafy trees
15. Scaly breasted munia- I dontknow whether they live here. But I have seen them frequently swinging on high wires or thin branches
    
16. Cuckoo- Both male and female. Parlekars find them irksome because of their habit of singing loudly starting at 4 am at the peak of summer holidays. It is notable that I did not hear any call in market area, and the calls have perceptibly decreased from near my home. In fact last season I did not hear a single 'jugalbandi' between competing Cuckoos though I spent almost the whole 4 months in Parle only
17. Copper smith barbet- This absolutely ravishing beauty with a red spot above the beak and a helmet-like design on head is out now- eating the plentiful fruits of Banyan trees. 3 days ago I counted a dozen of them on the Banyan tree outside my balcony. Their tuk-tuk has not yet started that much
18. Common Myna- I am observing these birds more often now
19. Tailorbird- Usually found in bushes- Parle does not have much bush. I have always noted these birds on high branches outside my window on 5th floor or even higher- and my husband was really surprised that a 'bush-bird' had come so high. I also wonder where it nests

Migrant species

1. Golden Oriole- winter migrant . Described earlier
2. Pied crested cuckoo- heralding monsoon. I have seen only once- 8 years ago. Incidentally it was the time I was expecting my son

More images will be added later