C Ward is home to some of Mumbai’s most vibrant commercial areas, bustling with shoppers in markets like Zhaveri Bazaar, Chira Bazaar, Bhuleshwar, Null Bazaar and Swadeshi Market. Its eastern border, Abdul Rehman Street, remains a historic and commercial hub. But the ward’s alleys and roads are now overwhelmed, with residents complaining of crowds, hawkers and traffic choking entry and exit points.Juzer Badani, who runs a glass shop in the area, says, “It’s impossible for an ambulance or fire engine to enter in an emergency because of extreme footfall, illegal hawkers and vehicular traffic. Recently, a huge tragedy was averted when a fire broke out late at night, when few people were around.” Abdul Rehman Street was once wide enough to accommodate an eight-horse carriage of early trading baron Jamshedji Jeejhbhoy, as per local lore.The ward made political history in the 2017 municipal polls when corporator seat 220 ended in a tie even after three recounts. The winner was declared by a draw of lots. BJP’s Atul Shah defeated Shiv Sena’s Surendra Bagalkar when a five-year-old girl, granddaughter of a municipal watchman, picked Shah’s name. This year, however, Shah cannot contest from the ward as it has been reserved for a woman candidate. The party may field him in neighbouring Ward 217 in Khetwadi, which was part of his past MLA constituency.From Bhuleshwar’s ornate facades to Abdul Rehman Street’s crowded lanes, the ward’s past is visible in every corner. Yet its markets, redevelopment plans and growing population are reshaping the ward faster than its aging buildings can bear. Marine Drive, synonymous with Mumbai, is another part of the ward where change has sparked discontent among long-time residents. Shalilesh Bajaj, a stockbroker, notes that while the Coastal Road has eased commuting, its exit onto the main road often causes gridlocks. Meanwhile, the Marathi-dominated chawls of Girgaon and the small houses of Bhuleshwar are giving way to skyscrapers. Narrow roads, inadequate toilets and poor footpaths have created crowding and discomfort. Bajaj adds, “There are very few public toilets, and the ones that exist are in terrible condition.”Politically, the ward leans BJP. The party won all three corporation seats in the last civic elections, and Rahul Narwekar, current Speaker of the assembly, won the Colaba seat, which includes parts of the ward, by nearly 50,000 votes. Shiv Sena UBT and Congress also hold influence, with MP Arvind Sawant representing southern Mumbai and Congress MLA Amin Patel covering Mumbaidevi.Patel, who has represented the area for over 20 years, says the floating population has increased, while many long-time residents have left, converting homes into shops. “This has decreased the voting population but worsened traffic. Parking plazas must be expedited. The BMC hawker policy is long delayed; we need a sustainable solution for those who rely on small loans but face eviction,” he says. Patel envisions cluster redevelopment to widen roads and improve amenities for shopkeepers and shoppers.Atul Shah, chairman of the Imitation Jewellery Dealers and Manufacturing Association, emphasizes that Mumbai’s largest imitation jewellery market, spread across Bhoiwada, Bhuleshwar and Gulalwadi with 2,200 shops, must modernize. “Young people don’t want to enter the business due to narrow roads, poor sanitation and old buildings. Only full-scale redevelopment can provide the infrastructure needed. But it will take 6-8 years, and even with consent from 98 of 273 buildings, the process faces delays,” he says. Crime also worries traders, as pickpockets and thieves routinely target customers. “The police try, but they’re understaffed, and nothing improves,” Shah says.
