A proposed beautification project at the Bandra Reclamation Promenade has drawn opposition from local residents, who have raised concerns over possible construction near Mahim Creek and the future use of the waterfront.
The Bandra Reclamation Area Volunteers Organisation (BRAVO) has urged the state government to cancel the proposed works, alleging that the plan could involve construction beyond the existing retaining wall and into the creek. The residents’ group has also sought that the project be reviewed under a proposed common policy for Mumbai’s promenades.
The policy framework was discussed at a meeting held on August 25, convened by Maharashtra Cabinet Minister for Culture and Information Technology and Bandra West MLA Ashish Shelar. Representatives from various government and civic agencies attended the meeting.
According to BRAVO, the meeting decided that uniform rules would be developed for promenades across Mumbai, regardless of which agency is responsible for their management. The framework is also expected to consider suggestions and objections submitted by residents.
BRAVO chairperson Vidya Vaidya welcomed the proposed policy, saying a common framework was necessary to regulate the development, maintenance and use of Mumbai’s waterfront public spaces.
The group also said discussions on the proposed public-private partnership (PPP) model for maintaining the Carter Road Promenade had been put on hold. BRAVO clarified that it was not against regulated private participation for maintenance, but opposed permanent or commercial structures being introduced on public waterfront spaces.
The organisation has now sought intervention in the Bandra Reclamation project, pointing to a No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) for beautification works proposed by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) near the eastern end of the promenade, close to the ‘I Love Mumbai’ installation.
BRAVO has alleged that the proposed work could extend beyond the retaining wall into Mahim Creek, potentially raising environmental and regulatory concerns. The group has also questioned plans for permanent structures intended to store equipment, arguing that such facilities are not essential to maintaining the public promenade.
“The proposed structure has no connection with the maintenance of this public space,” BRAVO said in its representation to the chief minister.
The organisation has requested that the proposed work be scrapped and that the broader promenade policy be applied consistently to Bandra Reclamation.
Source: Hindustan Times
