Residents of Bandra have approached authorities seeking action against encroachments along the Carter Road promenade, urging the removal of structures and stalls that they say are restricting public access to the popular seaside walkway. Locals have requested the intervention of the Mumbai Maritime Board and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to clear the stretch so that pedestrians and visitors can fully use the promenade.
According to residents, at least three letters were sent to the authorities during February and March raising concerns over seafood stalls operating along the promenade and a religious statue installed at the gazebo end of the stretch. While the structure that earlier housed the idol has been removed after complaints, locals say the idol remains in the gazebo area.
In their most recent letter, written on Sunday morning, residents referred to information obtained through a query filed under the RTI Act and urged the Mumbai Maritime Board to remove the statue from the gazebo.
“Considering the sensitivities involved, it’s best that this issue is resolved as soon as possible. The further it gets delayed, the further sentiments will get invested and attached to that place and dealing with religious fervour will become difficult,” the letter states.
Residents said the RTI response indicated that no official permissions had been granted for constructing the religious structure. In an earlier letter dated March 7, locals thanked authorities for removing the structure but pointed out that the roof still remained. They have now noted that the idol continues to be placed at the gazebo.
The letters also raised concerns about seafood stalls operating along the promenade, where cooking is reportedly carried out in the open and oil containers and utensils are stored on the walkway. Residents say this not only obstructs public movement but also poses safety concerns.
They also questioned why such a food plaza exists only on Carter Road, asking why similar arrangements have not been introduced in other prominent seafront locations like Worli Sea Face or Marine Drive.
Renuka Tahiliani, resident, Carter Road, said the gazebo was originally meant as a shared public space. “The gazebo has functioned as a centre of community interactions. It’s an area meant for people to sit in a shaded place. Children used to sit there and read, but it has been encroached.”
Source: Mid-day
