Aamchi Mumbai Ep. 5

Mumbai २४ taas (Mumbai 24 hours)

We all love this maximum city in all aspects. It is described as 'the city that never sleeps' by the people because there's buzz at all times. In January 2020, Maharashtra Cabinet implemented a plan of 'Mumbai 24×7' also known as 'मुंबई २४ तास' (Mumbai 24 hours) under the leadership of Aaditya Thackeray, Cabinet Minister of Tourism, Environment & Protocol also the Guardian Minister of Mumbai suburbs. 

Mumbai 24×7 simply means that the city of Mumbai can operate and remain open for 24 hours. Being a global city, it is crucial to revive the social and economical life of Mumbaikars. Mumbai is probably the first city to officially commence the 24 hours plan. It is worth to dig deeper and understand the key points of this contemporary & brand new policy put forth by the young Sena minister. 

These are the few things that everyone must know about Mumbai २४ taas. 👇

• Maintaining law & order : 

If any shop or establishment violates law & order it could face a lifetime ban. When the city operates beyond the usual time it is important to look for the safety and wellbeing of the citizens as well as the workers and ensure them a good environment to work and enjoy. This policy will be implemented according to the existing International law of 24 hours city, the labour laws etc. 

• Putting safety first : 

The above mentioned plan has been discussed and drafted in consultations with the Commissioner of Mumbai Police, Commissioner of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and also this policy is nodded in approval by the State Cabinet. The businesses can either have it's own private security or can pay Mumbai police for this, which will be helpful to get revenue for the efficient police force as well. Also, it is believed everywhere, Mumbai is one of the safest city in India. 

• Job opportunities : 

Mumbai city has a lot of aspiring young folks who are in search of jobs & to establish a career. Mumbai 24×7 will ensure three job shifts for the working force which will definitely be advantageous in increasing employment opportunities and a lot of people will get work to maintain themselves and the family. By enhancing employment, the city would also give rise to the revenue of the state as a whole. 

• Execution in Non residential areas : 

Taking into consideration people's privacy, the plan only can operate in the non residential areas and the mill compounds which only includes malls, shops, eateries, cinema theatres etc and not the bars and pubs. 

• No change in excise rules : 

The bars, pubs etc can only remain open till 1:30 a.m. as per the existing state excise rules. This policy do not intervene in the excise department. It's only meant for food courts, malls, theatres etc. 

• Fully equipped services : 

The areas which will follow the policy will be equipped with all necessities. Areas will have efficient parking facilities, provisions for solid waste management to make sure that the environment isn't maltreated due to the extended hours of work, these areas will mandatorily be under CCTV surveillance to keep eye on the activities, these zones would be complied to the decible limits to constrain the noise pollution that might occur at a significant rate so that no disturbance is caused to the locals. 

• There's a choice : 

This policy is not mandatory to any kind of business. There is an option and the owner can choose to join keeping in mind their personal gains. This decision will completely be voluntary.

• Extended time to travel : 

A lot of people visit Mumbai for working purpose from all over the country with an average working tourist being in the city for about 36 hours.  This policy will increase the revenue that comes through the people visiting the city or in transit. Most of the people prefer domestic flights at night so being in Mumbai till the departure of flights, the tourist will be able to enjoy to the fullest as the city will function 24 hours. 

London being the 24 hours city has the night economy worth around 5 billion pounds. Mumbai also is a kaleidoscopic city which has the same potential since it is recognised to be the entertainment and financial capital of the country. By implementation of this policy Mumbai has a opportunity to generate the similar level of economy. It would also put India forward among the other developing countries by enacting state-of-the-art policy that would facilitate earning an different recognition for the Nation altogether. 

In the first phase, the lanes of BKC, Marine drive and Nariman point will solely be open for eateries and food courts. Even the food inspectors are appointed to look after the latter. Police force are available all night just a phone call away while the Police patrolling too is enhanced. 

Chief Executive Officer of Retailers Association of India, Mr. Kumar Rajgopalan  applauded this plan and considered it as a "Win win situation for all" As it will help to expand the services, enhance customer satisfaction also increase the profit. As per their future expectations, the employment in retail sector will increase by 10% in less than 3 years. Hardworking people toil tirelessly throughout the day, this policy will provide them some more time to use the available facilities. This plan focuses on making the city even more vibrant. People irrespective of any time duration will be able to eat, watch a movie and go to malls.

From 26th January 2020, these facilities were open all round the clock. Unfortunately due to the sudden outbreak of COVID 19 in the country the 24 hours plan was halted.

As the two sides of the coin, Mumbai 24×7 recieved a lot of praise even some critisism. Let me know in the comment section below what are your views on this policy. Mumbai is a global city and India's pride, has got a chance to again mark it's superiority and to be above all.

Now, Mumbai officially is a city that never sleeps!