(ARTICLE FROM TODAYS TIMES OF INDIA)
Mumbaikars may be among those with the fancier cars and the fatter bank balances, but if there is one thing they lack sorely, it is Peace Of Mind.
Urbanites interviewed for The Times Of India-IMRB Quality Of Life
Survey in eight mega-cities felt that life in Mumbai and Delhi was the most
tension filled. They appraised the cost of living in the financial capital as
painfully high and lifestyles in it greatly stressed. They also rated its civic
sense and cleanliness poorly. In fact, the only issue where Mumbai received an
average score was the situation of domestic help. Why is life in aamchi metro
such a struggle and is there a way to alleviate the common mans stress TOI
finds out
It is widely called the city of dreams. But every Mumbaikar knows that, on the way to realizing dreams, life in the financial capital can be a struggle.
It is widely called the city of dreams. But every Mumbaikar knows that, on the way to realizing dreams, life in the financial capital can be a struggle.
Astronomical real estate prices, jam-packed roads, lack of open
spaces and clean air can rob anyone of their peace and calm.
It comes as no surprise, then,that respondents to The Times Of
India-IMRB Quality Of Life Survey in eight mega-cities felt that Mumbaikars
have the least Peace Of Mind among residents of the urban agglomerations. Delhiites
fared as badly.
The survey,which was published on Sunday, found that urban dwellers perceive Ahmedabad as the best city to live in, followed by Pune. Mumbai and Delhi shared the third spot.
The survey,which was published on Sunday, found that urban dwellers perceive Ahmedabad as the best city to live in, followed by Pune. Mumbai and Delhi shared the third spot.
The opinion poll recorded citizens views on 30 parameters under
seven categories. Among others, Mumbai did better in categories such as
Physical & Civic Infrastructure and Leisure Facilities, but scored poorly
on Environment and Peace Of Mind.
In the category Peace Of Mind, which included the parameters lifestyle (relaxed),cost of living, civic sense and cleanliness, and situation of domestic help. Mumbai and Delhi received an overall rating of 2.2,the worst of all, while Pune, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad jointly notched the highest score of 2.7.In between were Bangalore (2.4),and Chennai and Kolkata (both 2.3).
Adman Gerson Da Cunha emphatically agrees with the survey result. He believes
that Mumbais quality of life has deteriorated dramatically over the years: the
prohibitive cost of real estate and the hardship of commuting has transformed
the financial capital from a desirable city to live in to one perceived as a
punishment posting. Only the sea saves Mumbai from becoming completely
unlivable, he says
.
Most Mumbaikars blame the high cost of living here as a major cause of extreme tension levels. Economist Vidhuti Patel says that most households in the city set aside 50% to 60% of their income for housing, which impacts their budgets phenomenally. Not surprisingly then, Mumbai got a rating of just 2 in the parameter of cost of living.
Most Mumbaikars blame the high cost of living here as a major cause of extreme tension levels. Economist Vidhuti Patel says that most households in the city set aside 50% to 60% of their income for housing, which impacts their budgets phenomenally. Not surprisingly then, Mumbai got a rating of just 2 in the parameter of cost of living.
All others mega-cities fared better in the survey. Relatedly, Mumbai
scored terribly in the parameter of relaxed lifestyle, earning a rating of mere
2. All others again fared better.
Restaurateur Moshe Sheikh scoffs at the mention of quality of life in the same breath as Mumbai. He says it is a great place to work in,but among the worst to live in. This city robs you of anything that life has to offer beyond work.
There are of course factors other than realty for the high anxiety levels in the city.
Last year,a research paper published in the British Journal of
Psychiatry underlined how stress had affected Mumbaikars. Out of 74 admitted to
a public hospital, the doctors found that 21 (or 30% of those admitted ) had
acute stress disorder.
Vijay Sangole of the Pestom Sagar Residents Association in Chembur says the city has lost its lustre. Where in the past it boasted of clean streets and a proud citizenry, today,an average citizen is always stressed, given the hours he spends commuting and the lack of discipline on roads and trains.
.
Even the respondents to the TOIIMRB survey felt that Mumbai lacks in civic responsibility. In the parameter civic sense and cleanliness, the city got a poor rating of 2.2.
Even the respondents to the TOIIMRB survey felt that Mumbai lacks in civic responsibility. In the parameter civic sense and cleanliness, the city got a poor rating of 2.2.
In fact,the only parameter where Mumbai did not do too badly was
the situation of domestic help.
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