Citizens do their bit, make a difference in this ward

Be it reclaiming open spaces, opposing the open spaces policy, exposing dubious real estate deals or beautifying Juhu beach, citizens' associations in this ward are involved in all activities and issues that affect their lives.

Be it reclaiming open spaces, opposing the open spaces policy, exposing dubious real estate deals or beautifying Juhu beach, citizens' associations in this ward are involved in all activities and issues that affect their lives.

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"Citizen activism is a by-product of the negative attitude of the civic staff. One is forced to invest time to make a change," said Ashoke Pandit from the Gulmohar Area Societies Welfare Group, which after fighting for seven years, reclaimed a huge chunk of open space that had been handed over by the civic body to a private party.

In 2006, about 40% of Juhu beach had been encroached upon. Citizen activism has changed it to a decent waterfront for Mumbaiites. As hawkers were removed, the Juhu Citizens' Welfare Group (JCWG) came up with a beautification plan for the beach along with architect PK Das.

Not surprisingly then that in 2007, Mumbai's first citizen candidate, Adolf D'souza, was elected from Juhu, though he won only by a marrow margin of 600 votes. "The activism in this ward is result-oriented and is not just restricted to meetings and making plans," said D'souza.