We are the citizens of Mumbai residing in residential areas namely Nepeansea Road, Breach Candy, Haji Ali, fishermen’s habitats at Lotus Junction and Worli amongst many others, all adjoining the newly constructed Coastal Road. We have lived in these areas for decades and had the first access to the natural Sea before the coastal road was conceived.

We are bearing witness to a concerning proposal from the BMC to erect hoardings alongside Mumbai's picturesque coastal road. This proposal, which has been reported in newspapers on the 5th of August 2024, has alarmed a great many of us. 

When the proposal for reclamation of the sea adjoining the areas for the Coastal Road was first discussed, the citizens expressed their concern about environmental hazards, traffic problems, and commercialisation and exploitation of land resulting in discomfort to these peaceful habitats and areas associated with centuries-old history of the city of Mumbai.

The Citizens, in a peaceful manner, represented their concern with all authorities including the honourable Supreme Court and an assurance was given that the land reclaimed (besides the part used for the construction of the road) would be preserved in the best manner possible and no commercialisation or exploitation in any other manner whatsoever will be permitted.

It may be noted that various ALMs of this area are in regular discussions with the authorities to partner towards creating a green cover in the area that is world-class in design, environment friendly and opens a large green lung for citizens of Mumbai.

We understand that BMC has given its consent for the same which is contrary to promises made by the government, BMC and other authorities. The installation of hoardings along the Coastal Road contradicts the vision of sustainable and environmentally friendly open spaces for the community and violates the Supreme Court's undertaking not to commercially exploit the space.

Such a step would not only spoil the aesthetics but also potentially distract drivers, leading to an increase in accidents along this buzzing thoroughfare. Additionally, such hoardings would have an environmentally harmful knock-on effect — from the manufacturing to their disposal process. Mumbai's famous coastal road, our latest shared heritage, is meant to be a beloved sight for residents and tourists alike for decades. It is not designed to be shrouded by commercial hoardings and should not be co-opted for such purposes.

Once started there will be no end to such encroachments and we will be left with another Western express highway kind of infrastructure, in place of what has been visualised as “the Central Park of Mumbai”

We call upon the BMC to reconsider this decision that gravely affects the beauty, safety, ecology, and heritage of our fair city. Let's ensure Mumbai's coastal paradise remains untainted by commercial hoardings. Please sign this petition and help us preserve Mumbai as it should be — beautiful, clean and heritage-rich.