Concerned about the environmental and infrastructural effects on Nariman Point, residents are opposed to state government’s plan to build a 100-storey plus building in the plush South Mumbai area.
The skyscraper is part of the Rs 3,500-crore Nariman Point Redevelopment Plan, which Chief Minister Ashok Chavan has asked the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority to undertake and complete by 2013.
The Nariman Point Churchgate Citizens’ Association has dashed off letters to Chavan, and the agency heads of the Public Works Department, the Urban Development Department and the environment secretary expressing environment and infrastructure concerns.
The association has also sought an appointment with the CM to explain why they are opposed to the plan.
Swarn Kohli, the association’s president, said: “We have two concerns about the skyscraper. First that such development will go against the basic nature and character of the area. It is earmarked as a green area and it should be kept that way.”
The second concern is that the skyscraper might create more pressure on the already burdened infrastructure.
“A skyscraper will mean more vehicles and infrastructure, such as roads, to take on that much traffic. We do not think the area will be able to support this,” Kohli added.
The association is, however, in favour of pedestrian subways along Marine Drive, which is a part of the redevelopment plan to manage the crowd at Chowpatty.
{{/usCountry}}The association is, however, in favour of pedestrian subways along Marine Drive, which is a part of the redevelopment plan to manage the crowd at Chowpatty.
{{/usCountry}}