A welcome initiative BMC's newly launched LACG

seeks to solve the intractable problem of getting citizens involved in
solving local issues, says Yogesh Sadhwani

Clear walkways, encroachment free areas, green surroundings, no filth,
improved infrastructure, freedom from choked gutters and drains, a proper
disaster management system and a hassle-free complaint redressal system...
this is stuff that every Mumbaikar's dreams are made of.

However, if the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has its way, all
this could soon become reality. The civic body's latest initiative - the
Local Area Citizen Group (LACG) - seeks to involve citizens in solving the
problems of their localities and create a system whereby citizens can voice
their concerns and get their woes addressed.

BMC officials explain that an LACG would consist of a group of owners or
occupiers of residential, commercial and institutional premises in a
particular geographical area. They will come together and be recognised as
formal partners by BMC to enable better delivery of civic services and
provision of civic infrastructure in that area. They will provide the BMC
with valuable, detailed information about localities and monitor the BMC's
plans, works and implementation.

The officials admit that the citizens have inputs and also like to
monitor the working of BMC, but are currently unable to do so as the
existing mechanisms of interaction are inadequate. The LACG seeks to change
all this.

The LACG concept, which was launched on April 1, will be in place by this
July. BMC plans to have 2,000-odd LACGs in the 227 electoral wards in the
city. Each LACG will involve residents staying in the demarcated area.
As per the plans, a nodal officer will be appointed for each councillor
ward to address complaints / suggestions of various LACGs in that area. The nodal officers will work under the chief
nodal officer, who will be an officer of the rank of a deputy municipal
commissioner. Also, an Apex LAGC committee will be appointed to formalise
the partnership between the MCGM, LACGs and NGOs.

The LACGs will also receive financial assistance in order to carry out
their tasks. Once a particular LACG is registered with the civic body, the
BMC will pay an honorarium to the LACG committee members. The LACGs that
form co-operative societies will be allowed to act as agents of BMC for
collecting administrative charges or user fees in lieu of penalties from
offenders as specified in the relevant Rules/ Guidelines, or schemes
approved by BMC, after entering into an Agency Agreement. The amount so
collected will be retained and used by the LACGs for various developmental
purposes.

If the LACGs implement local schemes and pay for these services (such as
sweeping, composting etc.), BMC will pay them in accordance with schemes
suggested by the Apex LACG Committee and approved by the Standing Committee
of BMC.

Subrat Ratho, Additional Municipal Commissioner, BMC, admits that in the
initial stages there will not be too many LACGs across the city. "More than
numbers, we need quality. The LACGs, though few to begin with, must be very
effective and should become a role model for many more to come in the
future," he says. He explains that BMC has realised that since co-ordination
and interaction between the civic officials and LACG members will be the key
to the success of the concept, BMC has decided to organise some orientation
workshops for both the groups.

Ratho envisages that the concept would ensure a great deal of
transparency in the system. "Chronic problems in every LACG area would be
identified through dialogue with the members and will be sorted out. Since
everything would be documented, even if the officer changes, time would not
be lost," he says, pointing out one of the many advantages of LACG. He adds
that most works carried out today in a particular area are taken up on the
inputs given by civic officials or past records. But with LACG in place, the
inputs will come from people.

Experts believe that the concept will make a remarkable difference to the
city or at least to those areas where the LACGs are in place. Areas where
Advanced Locality Management (ALM) groups have brought people together to
work for the betterment of the locality have greatly benefited. Not only has
the look and feel of the area in question improved, but also the quality of
life. The LACG, being a much wider concept than the ALM, will bring about a
significant change.

"In areas where there would be LACGs, one would see that quality of life
and services improve drastically. There would be an incredible difference in
every way," says Vinay Somani of Karmayog, an organisation that has played a
pivotal role in bringing various citizens' groups and BMC together during
the formulation of the concept of LACG. He explains that in a particular
area where the LACG is in place, a resident would be able to air his
grievances and ensure that they are resolved. "Moreover, he/ she would be
able to monitor the working of the civic body in the area," he adds.

Indrani Malkani, a resident of Malabar Hill, who has been a part of the
ALM movement for the last six years, is keen on forming an LACG in her area.
She points out that initially there may not be too many takers for the
concept, however. "It might just start off with a handful of LACGs in the
city. The success of these few will set an example for others," she says.
Optimistic about the positive change the LACG concept will bring to various
areas, she also believes that the partnership should be not restricted to
LACG and BMC but should be extended to other government agencies like MMRDA,
MSRDC and the police.

As of today, there are only 10-odd areas, where resident groups have
expressed their willingness to form LACGs. In the long run, many more will
come forward. The fact remains that LACGs will be of great benefit to
citizens, and residents will no longer have to run from pillar to post to
get their problems solved. Moreover, residents will collectively be able to
take up beautification projects and cleanliness drives with the help of BMC.
It is a known fact that wherever residents have taken charge, the areas
have got a facelift. Take the case of Chembur where there are several active
ALMs that not only segregate and treat waste but also take up beautification
projects at their own cost. Now with the LACG, the residents will have wider
scope to do all this, and at the BMC's expense.

Such initiatives are essential to a city where a great deal still needs
to be done. After all, however plush the housing complexes in an area might
be, residents could never have a comfortable lifestyle if they have to bear
the stench of filth, drive on potholed roads and battle their way home past
encroachers.

All in all, it will be a win-win situation for everyone - provided, of
course, the BMC implements the concept effectively.

Quick BYTES

The BMC's latest initiative, the Local Area Citizen Group, seeks to involve
citizens in solving the problems of their localities
LACGs will enable better delivery of services and provision of civic
infrastructure The LACG concept, which was launched on April 1, is expected to be in place
by July