Dear Citizens,

Over the last week, the Chief Justice Nandrajog and Justice Jamdar of Bombay High Court have heard arguments in favour of inclusive and responsible development. 

Although Maharashtra's Chief Minister has claimed that all permissions for the Coastal Road were obtained, there is no evidence for this, as was argued by senior counsel Janak Dwarkadas ably assisted by lawyers Pheroze Mehta and Rishika Harish. The lawyers also argued that the recent amendments made to the Coastal Regulation Zone will have a disastrous impact not only on Mumbai, but on the coastline of the entire country.

At the end of proceedings on Tuesday, Chief Justice Nandrajog drew a caricature to make a point about environmental protection. He questioned the BMC's counsels whether they wanted future generations to experience the disastrous implications of wanton ecological destruction. You can read more about this here.

Meanwhile, architects such as Alan Abraham have suggested that instead of ill-conceived projects like the Coastal Road, the MCGM should be making efforts to leverage Mumbai's value of being a coastal city, in which all citizens have access to the greatest open space: the sea. This video examines the shortcomings of the dreadfully planned Haji Ali interchange and suggests for an underpass to be built instead, creating 6 acres of additional green space in the process.

Hearings continue at the Bombay High Court next week.

Thank you for your support,

Team Save Our Coast