Residents push back against ‘beautification’ of Bandra Reclamation

BRAVO has urged the chief minister to scrap the Bandra Reclamation project, alleging the proposed structures could encroach into Mahim Creek.

A plan to “beautify” the Bandra Reclamation Promenade has left local residents worried about what could happen to the waterfront they use and the creek alongside it. The Bandra Reclamation Area Volunteers Organisation (BRAVO) has alleged that the proposed construction could extend beyond the existing retaining wall into Mahim Creek and is now seeking cancellation of the project, as the state moves to frame a common policy for Mumbai’s promenades.

Residents have raised concerns over a proposed beautification project at Bandra Reclamation. (HT Photo )

BRAVO has urged the chief minister to apply the same principle being considered for Mumbai’s promenades to the proposed works at Bandra Reclamation and scrap the project.

The policy decision was taken at a meeting on August 25 convened by Maharashtra cabinet minister for Culture and Information Technology and Bandra West MLA Ashish Shelar, and attended by representatives of various concerned authorities. According to BRAVO, the meeting decided that uniform regulations would be formulated for all promenades in Mumbai, irrespective of the authority responsible for them. The policy is also expected to incorporate suggestions and objections raised by citizens.

BRAVO chairperson Vidya Vaidya welcomed the decision, saying a common framework was necessary to regulate the development and maintenance of Mumbai’s waterfront public spaces.

Common policy for Mumbai promenades takes shape

The discussions have also stalled the proposed public-private partnership (PPP) model for the Carter Road Promenade in Bandra, according to BRAVO. The residents’ group said it was not opposed to a regulated PPP model for maintaining promenades, but objected to permanent or commercial construction on these public spaces.

It is against this backdrop that BRAVO has sought intervention in the Bandra Reclamation project.

Residents flag MSRDC clearance for proposed works

The group has drawn attention to a No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) for proposed beautification works by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) at the eastern end of the promenade, near the ‘I Love Mumbai’ installation.

According to BRAVO, the proposed plan involves construction beyond the existing retaining wall and into Mahim Creek. The residents have alleged that this could amount to encroachment into the creek and violate multiple environmental laws.

The group has also questioned the need for permanent structures proposed for storing equipment, arguing that such construction is unrelated to the maintenance of 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, seeking his intervention and asking the authorities to scrap the project with immediate effect.