Coastal road: Deadline ends on July 27, BMC receives only 55 suggestions

While public meetings are being organised to create awareness about the Mumbai coastal road’s detailed project report (DPR), the civic body has, so far, received only 55 suggestions and objections to the project.

While public meetings are being organised to create awareness about the coastal road’s detailed project report (DPR), the civic body has, so far, received only 55 suggestions and objections to the project.

With just 10 days left for the deadline to end, experts and activists are concerned about the low response from citizens.

Darryl D’monte, a member of Bandra West Residents’ Association, said, “We need to make people aware of this project. We will also be asking the fishermen of Khar danda area to be a part of our meetings.”

Meanwhile, opposition by the fishermen associations is giving the civic administration a tough time.

Civic officials said the most genuine objections were being raised by the fisherfolk and their associations. They have pointed out that their traditional places to dock boats and routes will be affected in the reclamation that will be done to build the coastal road.

Keeping these concerns in mind, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) now plans to organise a special hearing for the fishermen and explain the report to them.

Damodar Tandel, president, Akhil Maharashtra Macchimaar Kriti Samiti, said, “We are against the coastal road. It will affect our livelihood and there is nothing that the civic officials can explain to us. The DPR clearly indicates that a large chunk of land will be reclaimed, which will lead to tidal issues.”

However, a civic official said the administration will make efforts to resolve their objections. “After the deadline, we will meet them. Their fishermen’s concerns can be sorted out,” said a civic official.

The civic body had earlier decided to hold a public hearing, but may reconsider it.

Most of the suggestions and objections made by citizens were about the city flooding and the impact on mangroves and environment. Some complained about the bottlenecks.