Dear Citizens,

The BMC's counsels have tried to argue that the Coastal Road Project has received extensive environmental scrutiny. However, they have made claims that have been resolutely refuted by experts, environmentalists and social scientists.

For instance, they have pleaded the Chief Justice bench to drop the marine biology issue since "corals have become the red herring of this matter." At varying points, the BMC's counsels have falsely stated that the corals occupy a negligible area and therefore shouldn't impede construction of the Coastal Road, and misleadingly claimed that the corals can be transplanted. This study by NGO Vanashakti finds that the "Coastal Road is a threat to 8 coral species," many of which are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act.

With respect to the Kolis, last week, the authorities were charged with not even including fishing zones in their studies, and with using fraudulently obtained documents, misrepresentation and blatant falsifications. Petitioner Shweta Wagh and others have extensively documented the Koli's artisanal fishing practices in the shallow seas off the coast of Mumbai that have evolved over generations. However, the BMC has responded by denying these practices, and subsequently offering paltry compensation. You can read more about the Kolis and other aspects of Mumbai's biodiverse coast here in Sanctuary magazine's special feature.

While the BMC wants to reclaim land, we want to reclaim the idea of Mumbai as a coastal city. We want to celebrate our open spaces along the waterfront and advocate for all Mumbaikars to have a healthy relationship with the sea. Join us in sharing photographs that document the iconic aspects of Mumbai's coastline from promenades to parks to beaches. Tag us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and use the hashtags #ChalaMumbai #OurCoastalCity.

Thank you,

Save Our Coast Team