Somaliland Envoy Praises Mumbai's Aqua Line Metro but Flags Beach Cleanliness and Waterfront Neglect
A foreign diplomat has praised Mumbai's new Aqua Line metro while raising concerns about the city's beaches, sanitation, and waste management. Lee Kuan Yimby, who describes himself as a 'High Trust Society Planner' and holds a PhD from Lee Kuan Yewniversity, is a volunteer ambassador to the Republic of Somaliland. In a detailed post on X following his visit, Yimby acknowledged the progress in Mumbai's infrastructure but argued that significant challenges remain in basic sanitation and waste management.
"I was just in Mumbai, and I have to give them credit for the progress they're making on infrastructure. The new Aqua Line metro is phenomenal," Yimby wrote. He then turned his attention to the city's cleanliness, particularly its beaches and relationship with the sea.
Beaches and Waterfront Concerns
Yimby criticized the condition of Mumbai's beaches, saying they are "filled with trash" and that the water is "badly contaminated," adding that "almost nobody swims, even when it's brutally hot outside." Despite the city being surrounded by water, he said there were few places where residents could comfortably enjoy the waterfront. He compared the situation unfavorably with beaches in poorer cities around the world where residents are still able to make greater use of their coastal areas.
According to Yimby, the problem goes beyond individual littering and reflects "decades of inadequate waste collection, sewage treatment and enforcement." He argued that the scale of waste generated by a population of more than a billion people has consequences not only for Indian cities but also for marine environments.
Proposed Solutions and Praise for Development
Yimby suggested treating the cleanup as a "national emergency" and proposed paid work for unemployed people to pick up rubbish, clear drains and waterways, clean beaches, and maintain public spaces. He noted India's ability to build metros, airports, highways, and digital infrastructure, arguing that "clean streets and usable water should be treated as infrastructure too."
He added that Mumbai could have one of the world's greatest waterfronts but said the city had instead allowed it to become overwhelmed by sewage and garbage. Yimby also commented on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approach to India's development, expressing appreciation for the progress being made.
Internet Reactions
The post drew reactions from X users. One person wrote, "Great point. Mumbaikar here and the beaches are almost non-existent for a local. The idea of a swim in the sea is almost laughable for us (unfortunately)." Another said, "Interesting take. I'll be travelling to Mumbai soon, so excited to see for myself. +1 on cleanliness, I see the same in Delhi, Gurgaon." A third comment read, "Culture trumps wealth every time," while another user agreed that major changes were needed, writing, "You are so [right]."
Yimby's remarks highlight a tension between celebrating infrastructure gains and addressing persistent environmental challenges, a topic that resonates with many residents and observers of Indian cities.