MMB Proposes Revoking Bandra Bandstand Trust's NOC Over Promenade Maintenance
The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has proposed revoking the no-objection certificate (NOC) granted to the Bandra Bandstand Residents Trust (BBRT) to reclaim direct maintenance control over the 1.1km Bandra Bandstand promenade in Mumbai.
The proposal follows allegations regarding an unauthorised corporate partnership between BBRT and pharmaceutical company USV Pvt Ltd, alongside the trust's failure to produce five years of financial statements despite multiple official notices.
In an internal communication to the MMB chief executive officer, Bandra Port regional port officer Capt. CJ Lepande recommended cancelling BBRT's long-standing NOC and having the maritime authority directly take over and maintain the promenade. The CEO is yet to issue a final order.
The dispute began in May when an overhead board at the entrance of Central Garden on the promenade listed BBRT and USV Pvt Ltd as caretakers. In June, the maritime authority removed the board and replaced it with one displaying its own name, prompting an enquiry into financial dealings between the trust and the firm. MMB noted that between 2019 and 2022, the board spent Rs 10.06 crore on structural and beautification works along the promenade, including pavement strengthening, lighting, green belts, and tetrapod relocation.
MMB also cited public discontent over restrictions previously enforced by BBRT, including painted signage barring pets, eating, and cycling without official clearance. The authority subsequently removed those signs.
To investigate third-party arrangements, MMB's Bandra Port inspector issued directives on July 3, July 21, and August 7 demanding the trust's annual accounts and audit reports for the past five years. Following non-compliance, the regional port officer issued a direct administrative notice on August 10 reiterating the demand.
Responding to queries, BBRT secretary Rusi Jabulee stated that the trust is registered, maintains proper accounts, and has responded in writing to officials. Jabulee stated that USV Pvt Ltd has independently and voluntarily borne garden maintenance costs for over two decades without making any direct monetary payments, donations, or sponsorships to BBRT.
