Bandra West Residents Protest Commercial Hoardings on Carter Road Promenade
In Mumbai, residents of Bandra West have raised significant concerns over the alleged commercialization of the Carter Road Promenade, prompting local BJP MLA and guardian minister Ashish Shelar to order a comprehensive review of permissions granted for commercial installations of LED hoardings. The controversy centers on whether this public space is being exploited in violation of Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) norms, leading to a demand for clarity on the promenade's maintenance framework and classification.
Meeting Highlights Public Outcry and Official Response
During a meeting held on Wednesday, residents voiced serious issues to officials from various civic departments, traffic police, the district collector's office, and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). Key complaints included the proliferation of hoardings on the promenade, inadequate upkeep and repair work, and attempts to use the public space for commercial purposes that potentially breach CRZ regulations. In response, Shelar has directed the MMB to submit a detailed report within seven days, outlining any lapses in maintenance and proposing a clear plan to prevent future public inconvenience.
Policy and Tender Process Under Scrutiny
Shelar explained that the MMB had initiated a tender process based on a policy formulated in 2020, which included provisions for revenue generation. The tender was awarded to the lowest bidder (L1). However, following persistent complaints from citizens, Shelar emphasized the need for clarity on whether the Carter Road Promenade is classified as an open space under the Development Plan. If it is indeed an open space reservation, commercial hoardings cannot be permitted, and any such activities must be suspended until this classification is conclusively determined.
Residents' Perspectives and Historical Context
Residents who attended the meeting expressed strong opposition to the advertisements. Vidya Vaidya, a trustee of the Bandra West Residents Association, highlighted that the promenade has never had advertisements on the sea side, stating, "As per rules, this is a green zone, so how can it be allowed? There should be a clearly laid-out policy that none of the promenades in Bandra, be it Carter Road, Bandra Bandstand, or Reclamation, will have such commercial hoardings." Patricia Nath, president of the BWRA, added that in the past, when the association was entrusted with maintenance after building the promenade, sponsors were advertised discreetly and with strictly specified sizes, contrasting sharply with current practices.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
This issue underscores ongoing tensions between urban development and environmental conservation in Mumbai. The review ordered by Shelar could set a precedent for how public spaces along the coast are managed, balancing revenue generation with community interests and regulatory compliance. Residents are hopeful that the forthcoming report will lead to stricter enforcement of CRZ norms and a halt to unauthorized commercial activities, ensuring the promenade remains a green, accessible area for all.
