Powai Residents Approach Canadian Consulate Over Barricaded Central Avenue Footpaths

Residents of Powai have taken their grievances over barricaded footpaths along Central Avenue in Hiranandani Gardens to the Canadian Consulate, seeking its intervention with Canadian-origin firm Brookfield, which is redeveloping the Citipark site.

In a letter sent to Canadian Consul General Jeff David on August 12, Powai Action Forum member Ratan Sharda highlighted that broad pavements used by pedestrians for nearly 25 years have been barricaded or obstructed. The alterations have left residents without dedicated walking space, forcing pedestrians onto the road in several areas.

Local residents expressed concern that longstanding public footpaths adjacent to the redevelopment projects are suddenly being treated and claimed as private property.

Sharda stated that the community is not asking the Consulate to legally adjudicate the land's ownership status. Rather, the forum urged the mission to raise the neighborhood's concerns directly with Brookfield's leadership in Canada and India to encourage responsible corporate citizenship.

Residents have also called for full disclosure of the approved project plans and the specific basis on which pedestrian zones are currently being designated as private land.