12.9 million residents, constituting 99.9% of Mumbai's population, have done absolutely nothing for their city, says a new survey conducted by United Media Group.
The survey carried out in the wake of Raj Thackeray's recent tirade against megastar Amitabh Bachchan, has revealed startling facts about how little bulk of residents of Mumbai do for their city. Raj Thackerey has time and again targeted Mr. Bachchan accusing him of doing nothing for his adopted city. But as this survey points out, the aging superstar is not the only one who has failed to do anything worthwhile for the metro.
Almost three-quarters of those surveyed (74%) have never planted a tree, participated in the Mumbai Marathon, paid octroi to BMC, cleaned a street, reported an illegal construction to authorities, donated blood or used the phrase 'I love Mumbai' even once.
97% of Mumbaikars who responded to the survey said they want to do something for the city, but don't know how to do it. "I'm all for doing something for my city. Someone please show me how" said Pratibha Munde, one of the Mumbaikars who was questioned for the survey.
The survey, one of the most extensive surveys carried out in the city covering more than 23000 people, has thrown up interesting trends showing that Mumbaikars contribution to the city is mostly net negative.
"I, like most Mumbaikars, help congest and pollute the city. Driving my Honda City to work and back everyday, honking my way through traffic snarls, I contribute to the city's noise pollution too." said Vaibhav Gupta, Vice-President of Sales, RV Textiles. Gupta couldn't recollect any positive contribution he has made to the city, apart from paying Municipal taxes, which he pays very grudgingly.
The survey also revealed that an overwhelming majority of 98% Mumbai residents have played their part in making the city seventh dirtiest in the world. Most of the respondents sheepishly agreed that they have thrown litter carelessly on the streets of the city.
According to the survey 100% of city's garbage on the streets is generated by 99.9% of Mumbai's population. Those who have visited Amitabh's Juhu residence 'Prateeksha' and its neighborhood swear that he belongs to the remaining 0.1 % section of the city population.
