Mumbai: Around 400 families from the upscale Breach Candy neighbourhood in south Mumbai participated in a residents’ survey conducted by the Breach Candy Residents Forum (BCRF), a local citizens’ group, ahead of the upcoming BMC election.The survey, titled ‘BMC Report Card: Choosing the Best Corporator for Breach Candy’, was meant for local residents to share honest and constructive feedback on the state of their locality and the overall functioning of Bhulabhai Desai Road. The survey findings, which are out now, revealed a clear preference for a corporator from within the locality, someone they refer to as “one of them”.The questions were structured across nine main civic categories, each with defined sub-categories. Each category and sub-category was rated on a scale of 0-5, where 5 represents the highest level of performance. In addition to numerical ratings, respondents were encouraged to share qualitative feedback through an open comments section. A separate question on future civic participation generated multiple suggestions and ideas from residents.Vistasp Mehta, an architect and member of BCRF, said, “This poll has given us a clear mandate for a local resident corporator. Residents feel a corporator chosen from our locality would identify problems as soon as they arise, not months later. They would face the same daily challenges as we do and understand the ground reality far better. Promises made during campaign periods are rarely fulfilled.”Devika Mistry, another member of BCRF, said that the resident poll reflects our community’s commitment to Breach Candy’s upkeep and safety. “Our appeal is for integrated management — through a local coordinator — that not only benefits our neighbourhood but enhances the efficiency of the entire ward.”The survey also flagged the demand for a Nepean Sea Road exit from the Mumbai Coastal Road southbound section as the single-most important issue for Breach Candy residents. Nigum Lakhani, a member of BCRF who lives near the Breach Candy entry-exit of the Coastal Road, said, “NSR exit has emerged as the single-most important demand of Breach Candy residents. It will help solve the issue of congestion on our road and allow vehicles headed to Nepean Sea Road to exit right there. We collected all relevant documents and have been knocking on multiple doors, yet the authorities in power and position have refused to help us take it forward.”The last corporator from the locality was Sarita Patil of the BJP.
