Mumbai: The BMC's plan to install six hoardings along the coastal road in South Mumbai is facing strong public opposition. Residents from Nepean Sea Road and Breach Candy have initiated an online petition urging the civic authorities to reconsider. They argue that the hoardings could harm the city’s aesthetics, safety, ecology, and heritage.
The civic body has approved the installation of four hoardings in Tata Garden and two in Haji Ali Garden. As the land falls under Coastal Regulation Zone-II, the contractor must obtain approval from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) before proceeding. Despite this, residents, opposition groups, and activists are dismayed.
A local citizen Rajesh Dahiya's online petition has gained significant traction, amassing 500 signatures by Wednesday evening. "Installing hoardings along the Coastal Road undermines the vision of sustainable, environmentally friendly open spaces and breaches the Supreme Court’s (SC) commitment to not commercially exploit the area. This move could detract from the aesthetics, distract drivers, and potentially increase accidents.
Moreover, the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposing of the hoardings is concerning. Mumbai’s Coastal Road, a cherished part of our shared heritage, should remain free of commercial encumbrances to preserve its beauty for residents and tourists alike,” stated the online petitioner. Dr.
Nilesh Baxi of Tardeo remarked, “They had promised no hoardings o.