October 27, 2025: Residents of Bandra have raised objections over the construction of a religious structure on the Carter Road seafront, alleging that it violates Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms. The controversy centres on a gazebo located at the northern end of the promenade, which citizens claim is being converted into a place of worship.
“The gazebo at the northern end is being converted to a religious structure. It is right next to the toilet block. It is not a very ideal place for a religious structure and also a violation of CRZ norms,” the residents stated in their complaint to the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the Chief Minister’s Office.
The complaint was filed by the Citizens Movement for Environment and Civic Action (CMECA), a local activist group that has long campaigned for the preservation of Bandra’s coastal spaces. The group stated that Carter Road is a popular public promenade used by thousands daily for walking, exercise, and leisure, but is increasingly being misused.
“The promenade at Carter Road sea front is used by thousands of people daily to exercise, watch the sunset, and get fresh air, but slowly being misused and CRZ norms are being violated. Recently, a large protest was held when the food plaza was put up. The wishes of the residents of the area and the daily visitors were completely ignored,” the group wrote.
They questioned whether proper permissions were sought for constructing the religious structure. “Was there a demand for a temple? Who has applied for the permission of the religious structure and any permission given to build such a structure on a green space meant only for open spaces and recreation?” the letter added.
Naazish Shah, a Bandra resident, alleged, “It seems the ward office has reduced to a rubber stamp authority bowing to the dictates of some powerful people who do not think it is necessary to take any permission from the Maritime Board, whether for the food plaza or now for a religious structure.”
Source: The Free Press Journal
