Urging citizens to reject the proposed coastal road project, the Bandra West Residents' Association held a public meeting at the Carter Road amphitheater on Sunday evening.
The meeting aimed to mobilize citizens to send their suggestions and objections to the BMC as the last date for the same is drawing near. The BMC has received only 60 suggestions and objections till date.
On June 24, the BMC had uploaded a draft of the detailed project report of the 33.2-km coastal road from Nariman Point to Kandivli on its website and invited suggestions and objections from the public till July 27.
Darryl D'Monte, one of the organizers, said, “In developed countries worldwide, cars are being stopped from entering the city area. But, through this project, we will be encouraging people to own cars. It's important that each of us write our objections to the BMC.“
Hussain Indorewala, faculty member of Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Environmental Studies, pointed out that the project would destroy mangroves and make the city more vulnerable to floods. “Instead of spending crores of rupees on this project, the existing stormwater drain, sanitation and other facilities should be improved,“ he said. Another faculty member, Shweta Wagh, pointed out that Bandra is likely to face traffic congestion due to the project.“Two of the interchangers or connectors are in Bandra, which means traffic from several areas will enter Bandra adding to congestion,“ Wagh said.
Environmentalist Rishi Agarwal sought the deadline for filing suggestions and objections to be extended. The group plans to soon organize a human chain from Nariman Point to Gorai in protest. --Richa Pinto
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