Bandra Residents Seek Scrap of Reclamation Beautification Plan Over Creek Concerns
Residents in Bandra have opposed a proposed beautification project at the Bandra Reclamation Promenade, urging the Maharashtra Chief Minister to intervene and cancel the works over concerns of environmental violations and encroachment into Mahim Creek.
The Bandra Reclamation Area Volunteers Organisation (BRAVO) raised objections after discovering that the proposed plan involves construction extending beyond the existing retaining wall into the creek. The citizens' group noted that the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for beautification works undertaken by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) at the eastern end of the promenade, near the 'I Love Mumbai' installation.
BRAVO alleged that constructing beyond the retaining wall could amount to an illegal encroachment into Mahim Creek and violate multiple environmental laws. The group also questioned plans for permanent structures meant for storing equipment, stating that such construction has no connection to the maintenance of the public space.
The pushback comes as the state government moves toward establishing a common regulatory framework for all waterfront promenades across Mumbai. On August 25, a meeting convened by Maharashtra Cabinet Minister for Culture and Information Technology and Bandra West MLA Ashish Shelar decided that uniform regulations would be framed for all promenades in the city, regardless of the governing authority.
BRAVO chairperson Vidya Vaidya welcomed the state's move to formulate a standardized policy, noting that a common framework is vital to oversee the development and upkeep of Mumbai's waterfront spaces. The group has asked the chief minister to apply the same principle to the Bandra Reclamation project and halt all ongoing plans.
According to BRAVO, discussions surrounding the new policy have also stalled a proposed public-private partnership (PPP) model for the Carter Road Promenade in Bandra. While the residents' group stated it does not oppose a regulated PPP model for basic maintenance, it remains firmly against commercial or permanent construction on public waterfronts.
