India, Jan. 13 -- Ward 190, which includes parts of Mahim Koliwada, is a largely working-class area that has been in the spotlight over the past year due to the lack of a proper municipal school building and shrinking open spaces. As the civic elections approach, these two issues have become central, with residents demanding better facilities for education and recreation.

Parents in the area say their children's education has suffered badly after the Mahim English Medium BMC school was declared dilapidated. Shaheen Ahmad, a parent and voter, said the problem began last year when students were shifted in the middle of the academic year.

"We need a proper school building in our area. We have been struggling for the past year. When the sch...