To,

Smt. Kishori Pednekar ji,

Subject: Coastal Road Project (North) – Impact on Nana Nani Park Versova & Citizens’ Request to Consider Proposed Alternative Already Submitted on March 9th, 2026 during Public Meeting at BMC K (West) Ward office  

 

Respected Madam,

We are writing to you regarding the Versova–Bhayander Coastal Road project and its devastating impact on Nana Nani Park in Versova (Package A). The current plan for this specific stretch is based on inaccurate data and ignores a viable alternative.

We wish to bring four critical points to your immediate attention:

1.        Misrepresentation of Tree Loss: The BMC claims 137 trees in the park will be affected. However, the bridge design creates a "Shadow Zone" that covers the entire park. Scientifically, the lack of sunlight means none of the 250 trees will survive. The current proposal significantly underreports the actual environmental cost.

2.        Breach of Official Commitment: Despite formal assurances on stamp paper that Heritage Trees (50+ years old) would be protected, some of these specific trees are currently marked for felling. This contradicts the department’s own preservation mandates.

3.        Procedural Failures: Per the law, compensatory afforestation should be visible and verified before felling begins. Currently, no land has been secured in Versova for this purpose. Further marking of trees was also done inaccurately.

4.        A Viable Alternative Exists: We have submitted an alternate alignment that fulfills the project’s requirements without destroying the park or the mangroves. This is a practical solution that balances development with the environment.

With over 10,000 objections recorded, there is significant public and legal scrutiny on this decision. We urge the Tree Authority to:

·        Reject the current felling proposal

·        Mandate an independent review of the submitted alternate alignment and adopt this approach to save the park and mangroves

Please see link which includes all supporting documents: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gg5CeVGgTARIW6syTaoJf8KXQsG6Jnod?usp=drive_link 

Please let us know if you need any more details. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Warm regards,

On behalf of the citizens of Mumbai
Save Mumbai Mangroves

Contact: savemumbaimangroves@gmail.com
Mobile: +91 98691 95785 – Gaurang Vora

 

 

Nana-Nani Park is a vital open space used daily by nearly thousands citizens from children’s to actual Nana Nani and Dada Dadi for their morning and evening walks. This amounts to approximately 3.65 lakh visitors annually and this is a conservative estimate.

The park is not maintained by government funds. It is sustained entirely through the dedicated efforts of local NGOs and responsible citizens. It stands as a powerful example of community-driven public space management.

The proposed Coastal Road project currently plans to pass through Nana-Nani Park, which would permanently destroy this invaluable open area.

In addition, the alignment of the Coastal Road cuts through mangroves, which are legally notified forests. Constructing a road through mangrove areas:

 • Violates environmental protections.

 • Poses ecological risks.

 • Endangers nearby low-lying areas, including Seven Bungalows, which rely on mangroves as natural flood protection.

Mangroves act as natural barriers against flooding, tidal surges, and coastal erosion. Destroying them increases the vulnerability of surrounding neighborhoods.

We Are Not Against Development

Our objection is not against development. We support infrastructure growth, but we demand inclusive and environmentally responsible development.

We Mumbaikar don't Want Oxygen cafe like Delhi. 

We Want Fresh Air which is our Right To Life, as it says in Article 21 "No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law"

The judiciary has interpreted the Right to Life to include the right to a clean and healthy environment.

Article 48A "The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country."

And as citizens it’s our fundamental duty under Article 51(A) g “to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures”

Save Nana-Nani Park. Protect our mangroves. Support inclusive development.