Mumbai Civic Group Challenges Carter Road Food Plaza Over Safety and Space Concerns
In Mumbai, the citizens' movement known as IMPACT, which focuses on environmental and civic issues, has raised significant concerns regarding the continued use of the Carter Road promenade in Bandra for cooking and food stalls. The group alleges that these activities pose serious safety risks and obstruct the public walking space, creating a contentious issue for local residents and authorities.
RTI Application and Lack of Response
IMPACT has taken formal action by addressing a letter to the chief executive officer of the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). In this communication, the group revealed that it filed a Right to Information (RTI) application in November 2025, seeking detailed information about the proposed "Fish Food Plaza" at the promenade. As of now, the group is still awaiting a response from the MMB, highlighting potential delays in transparency and accountability from the governing body.
Safety Hazards and Obstruction Allegations
The civic movement has pointed out specific safety hazards associated with the food stalls. According to their claims, open-flame cooking continues to occur at the site, with oil cans stored in the area, which could increase the risk of fires or accidents. Additionally, chairs placed along the walkway for patrons to sit and eat are said to block portions of the promenade, significantly impeding the flow of walkers and reducing the available public space for recreational activities.
Legal and Regulatory Violations
In their letter, IMPACT argued that allowing cooking activities on a public promenade violates directions issued by the Supreme Court of India regarding cooking in public places. This legal standpoint adds weight to their concerns, suggesting that the current setup may not only be unsafe but also potentially illegal under national guidelines designed to protect public spaces and ensure safety standards.
Questioning the Permissions and Comparisons
The residents involved in the movement have also raised questions about why such a food plaza was permitted at Carter Road in the first place. They are inquiring whether similar arrangements exist at other prominent seafront promenades in Mumbai, such as Marine Drive or Worli Sea Face. This comparison aims to highlight potential inconsistencies in how public spaces are managed across the city, calling for a more uniform and thoughtful approach to urban planning and civic amenities.
The situation underscores ongoing tensions between commercial activities and public space usage in urban areas, with IMPACT advocating for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and better preservation of walking areas for the community's benefit.
