A corroded and broken red postbox has been lying in anunusable condition for several years on Yari Road, Andheri West. This paper highlighted how the postbox stood precariously, with its door missing. Surrounded by garbage and debris, it obstructs the footpath in a crowded area.
Locals say the damaged postbox has remained unattended for years despite repeated complaints. The narrow footpath, already congested with pedestrians, two-wheelers, and street vendors, becomes even more difficult to navigate because of this eyesore and potential hazard. This is a typical pattern where damaged or broken infra and amenities remain unusable. Then, instead of repairing the damage or removing the facility altogether, it remains there for months if not years, symbolic of delays and apathy. People then realise that this is not functional. It starts being used for other purposes rather than what it was meant for.
Here, the postbox has become a convenient garbage bin for lazy people who do not want to find the nearest trash can but dump rubbish here because it has become a convenient dustbin. Then we will have those responsible refusing to empty this postbox, as they are only concerned with garbage bins. So the festering garbage spot grows even worse.
Across the city, we see small lanes with dead ends become open-air toilets. Planters with no plants become dustbins. Broken or defunct bus stops become shelters or homes with cloths and bamboo serving as cradles for babies and families cooking and living there. Remove or attend to dysfunctional facilities in double quick time to prevent this deterioration and dirt.