About //
History
NAGAR is a not for profit organization established in 2000, born out of the passion of several ordinary citizens with a goal to improve life in the city of Mumbai. It works in the areas of preservation of public open spaces, solid waste management, improvement in air quality, preservation of water bodies, beaches, mangroves, built and natural heritage features, efficient road space management, water conservation and better policing.
Its creed has been strong and consistent advocacy with Government and its agencies for better implementation of existing laws, suggesting changes in policies for better governance in civic related issues and working towards urban renewal. It has a vast citizen base spread over the city and networks with other civic NGOs on specific issues.
Since its inception NAGAR has successfully advocated its cause through its programs. Key milestones include:
- A sustained campaign, including going to the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court, to get street vending zones designated by MCGM
- Challenging Slum Rehabilitation on Reserved Public Open Spaces by filing a PIL in 2002. NAGAR obtained a stay on the policy and the case continues to date
- A sustained campaign for the preservation of Reserved Open Spaces which continues to date
- Conducting a survey and collating data of 1429 Reserved Public Open Spaces in Greater Mumbai and publishing a sample of 600 in a publication entitled ‘Breathing Space’
- A Pilot project with MCGM for segregated collection and disposal of domestic dry waste
- A research paper on ALM’s and their importance
- An awareness campaign on the hazards of e-waste, contribution to MCGM’s Cleanliness Rules 2006 and the Eco-housing Initiative
- Preparation of a People-Public-Private-Partnership (PPPP) Model to upload on Government of India’s web portal www.mygov.in under the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’
- A survey published as a Report entitled ‘Solid Waste Management and Handling at the Ward Level in Greater Mumbai’.
- Initiatives to reduce vehicular pollution: (a) conversion of taxi’s to CNG (b) phasing out of old heavy motor vehicles and (c) regular monitoring ambient air quality
- A survey, conducted by architects, of the 8 Forts of Mumbai and published in a profusely illustrated book entitled ‘Abandoned Treasures’
- A PIL in the Bombay High Court on the policy that permits location of 4G Cell Towers on Reserved Public Open Spaces and obtained a stay order. The case is currently being heard
- Publishing a handy pocket-size Mumbai Police Helpline Directory
