However, as revenue sources reduced amid the pandemic, it okayed a Rs 2,500-crore cut in capital expenditure in August.

Cuts were done in the Coastal Road project, Gargai dam, road works, BEST, footpaths, Development Plan, waste management projects, etc.

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Though cuts may be necessary, given the economic climate, we must try to mitigate the hit to development of civic amenities. A corporator voiced public fears when he claimed, "priorities are misplaced.

There will be flashy projects but basic amenities like footpaths, small roads, toilets will be neglected. These always see low progress."

Let authorities work towards getting these on ground basics in place. We also need to remember that the city has to get rain-ready, work for which should begin months before.

Footpaths, drainage, tree trimming, small road works and toilets may not sound glamorous but they are the bedrock of the city. In crunch time, let us shift focus to these amenities, cut projects that are political carrots or for show, with a focus on those strictly necessary. The outbreak has led to seismic shifts in how we deal with problems and see the world. A rejig of what are important civic amenities should be part of that change.

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