Residents of Powai are raising concerns over the growing pace of infrastructure and commercial development in the neighbourhood, saying new projects could put additional pressure on its green cover, roads, water supply, parking and overall liveability.
Powai, which developed as a planned township in the 1990s, is now witnessing several major proposals, including a 13.40-metre Development Plan road, a 30,000-seat Global Capability Centre (GCC), commercial redevelopment and a proposed data centre.
A campaign opposing the proposed DP road is being led by longtime resident Sunita Gohrani. The road would pass through the Pramod Mahajan Urban Forest, with more than 120 trees expected to be affected, according to the report. Around 3,000 residents have reportedly supported the campaign.
“We had signed up for a Powai that was guarded by hills, clean lakes and forests. All that is being taken away in the garb of development,” said Gohrani.
Residents are also concerned about the proposed GCC and other commercial developments. Jayman Khona said “the proposed GCC has emerged as a particular flashpoint”.
“Can Powai take this additional pressure? The new development plans are an imposition on us, which have been launched in an undemocratic way,” said Milan Bhatt, secretary of the Powai ALM.
Residents have also highlighted concerns over increasing traffic. Shobha Philip, a resident of Hiranandani Gardens, said, “More offices and commercial developments translate to more people entering and leaving the township without a corresponding increase in road capacity”.
“The cumulative impact of such projects needs to be assessed, which has not been done at all,” said a resident who did not wish to be named, referring to concerns surrounding the proposed data centre.
Environmental issues are also being raised by longtime resident Debi Goenka.
“Today, noise from the construction site next to me continues throughout the day. I have to keep the windows shut and the fans and AC on constantly,” said Goenka.
Residents maintain that development should “not come at the cost of the greenery, open spaces, pedestrian character and liveability that drove people here”.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded: “My office is in touch with Mr Ratan Sharda. We will address their concerns.”
