September 22, 2025: BJP leader and former Colaba corporator Makrand Narwekar has alleged that development projects worth Rs 116 crore in Colaba and surrounding areas remain stalled due to administrative neglect by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). He stated that Colaba, a prime area of South Mumbai, has been ignored despite the sanctioning of funds nearly two years ago.
In a letter dated September 19 to BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Narwekar highlighted what he termed as an “anti-Colaba sentiment” in the A Ward administration. “Despite funds being sanctioned nearly two years ago by the Chief and Deputy Chief Minister for well-planned development works in A Ward, the sanctioned amounts have remained largely unutilized, with only minimal expenditure incurred to date,” he wrote.
Among the major pending works are the beautification of the Kala Ghoda–Regal–Colaba Causeway stretch (Rs 80 crore), Causeway improvements (Rs 2 crore), beautification of NCPA (Rs 24 crore), lighting and electrical upgrades (Rs 6 crore), and the development of a Walking Plaza between Mantralaya and Badhwar Park (Rs 4 crore).
Narwekar attributed the delay to the absence of a full-time Assistant Municipal Commissioner (AMC) in A Ward. For the past two years, Executive Engineer Jaideep More has been handling the additional charge. He also alleged that the “prolonged inaction is a result of the inexperienced A Ward administration and the high-handed approach of the Additional Municipal Commissioner (City), Ashwini Joshi.”
Calling for immediate action, Narwekar demanded the appointment of a full-time A Ward officer and expedited progress on the stalled projects. “Colaba and South Mumbai deserve efficient governance and cannot be allowed to suffer due to administrative lapses,” he added.
Colaba also holds political significance as it falls within the assembly constituency of Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar.
Source: The Free Press Journal
