Metro 3 Aqua Line Praised But Sanitation Challenges Flagged After Mumbai Visit
Mumbai's infrastructure development, particularly the Metro 3 Aqua Line, received praise from Somaliland Ambassador Lee Kuan Yimby following a visit to the city, though he raised significant concerns regarding urban cleanliness, sanitation, and the upkeep of waterfronts.
In a detailed post shared on X, Yimby described the city's new Aqua Line metro network as phenomenal, acknowledging the visible progress being made across the city's infrastructure sector. However, he noted that the scale of local sanitation and waste management challenges remained difficult to understand without seeing them firsthand.
Yimby particularly criticised the condition of Mumbai's beaches and waterfront areas. Despite the city being surrounded by the sea, he observed that there were few places where residents could comfortably enjoy the coastline. He stated that several beaches remain affected by garbage and contaminated water, leaving the coastline underutilised when compared to coastal areas in other cities globally.
According to Yimby, the issue extends beyond individual littering and reflects decades of inadequate waste collection, sewage treatment, and enforcement. He noted that the vast volume of waste generated by a population of over a billion people creates serious consequences for urban living conditions as well as marine environments.
Commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approach to development, Yimby stated that he supported the country's direction but urged that cleanliness be treated as a primary national priority rather than addressed through limited campaigns. He pointed out that while the country has proven its ability to build metros, highways, airports, and digital networks, clean streets and usable water bodies must also be treated as critical infrastructure.
To tackle the issue, Yimby proposed establishing paid employment initiatives for unemployed people to collect waste, clear drains and waterways, clean beaches, and maintain public spaces, supported by adequate equipment, supervision, and modern waste processing facilities.
He concluded that Mumbai holds the potential to develop one of the world's finest waterfronts, but said the coastline currently suffers from neglect caused by sewage discharge and accumulated garbage.
