Locals up in arms against coastal road plan

Citizens all across the west coast of Mumbai are opposing the ambitious Mumbai Coastal Freeway, a new 35-km stretch from Marine Drive to Malad, recommended by a joint technical committee headed by civic chief Subodh Kumar.

Bandra West Residents Association (BWRA), with other residents associations from the city’s west half, met on Thursday to spread awareness about issues that follow such infrastructural growth, and garner support from the public at large.

 Architect PK Das said, “There are two options in this plan: One ignores all natural situations on large stretches of landfilled roads in the sea and mangroves, and another offers varied roads depending on the natural conditions of the locations.”

Rushi Aggarwal, from the Mangroves Association of India, said, “A coastal freeway reclaiming the sea and mangroves will deteriorate the ecological balance of the city.”

BWRA president Darryl D’Monte, said, “Today’s meeting is to create awareness about the issues this plan will cost due to the huge size of land this project will require.”

Citizens from the group demand that the government not finalise the plans before taking into consideration the concerns they put forth.