Open Letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha

 

We, the residents of Breach Candy, Napean Sea Road, and concerned citizens of Mumbai, write this petition with deep distress and strong opposition to the recent approval of advertising hoardings along the city’s prestigious Coastal Road by the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA). This decision not only compromises the visual appeal and safety of this critical infrastructure but also violates principles of good governance, environmental laws, and public safety.

 

Key Concerns:

 1. Public Nuisance and Driver Safety

Advertising hoardings along the Coastal Road seriously distract drivers, increasing the risk of accidents. These hoardings' vibrant and often flashing lights can momentarily blind drivers or divert their focus, leading to potentially life-threatening situations.

 2. Violation of Supreme Court Orders

The installation of hoardings in ecologically sensitive areas, especially along coastal zones, directly contravenes previous Supreme Court judgments aimed at curbing visual pollution and maintaining the sanctity of such spaces. The Coastal Road was envisioned as a public utility, not a canvas for corporate profiteering.

 3. Light Pollution

Illuminated hoardings will significantly increase light pollution, disrupting the natural environment and affecting the quality of life for residents living nearby. Excessive artificial lighting harms human health and the local ecosystem, including nocturnal species.

 4. Visual Ugliness and Loss of Aesthetic Value

The Coastal Road was designed to showcase Mumbai’s beauty and provide citizens with a world-class commuting experience. Plastering it with gaudy advertisements will mar its visual appeal, making it an eyesore instead of a symbol of progress. This decision undermines the years of effort and investment in creating an iconic piece of infrastructure.

 5. Against the Spirit of Coastal Protection Laws

The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) laws exist to protect Mumbai’s fragile coastal ecosystem. Allowing hoardings in this zone violates the intent of these laws, prioritizing commercial interests over ecological preservation.

 6. Setting a Dangerous Precedent

Approving hoardings along the Coastal Road sets a dangerous precedent, encouraging similar commercialization of other public spaces in Mumbai. This erodes the fundamental principle that public infrastructure should prioritize citizen welfare, not private profit.

 

Our Collective Appeal:

 

 1. Immediate Reconsideration:

We urge you to withdraw the approval granted by the MCZMA for installing advertising hoardings along the Coastal Road.

 2. Public Consultation:

Decisions affecting public spaces must involve the participation of citizens. We request a transparent consultation process with Mumbai residents before implementing such measures.

 3. Compliance with Legal and Environmental Norms:

Uphold the spirit of Supreme Court judgments and CRZ laws by ensuring public infrastructure remains free from commercial exploitation.

 4. Preserve Mumbai’s Heritage:

Let the Coastal Road remain a symbol of Mumbai’s progress and pride, not a billboard-laden stretch of commercialism.

As citizens of Mumbai, we have immense pride in our city’s development. However, this pride is deeply tied to our collective well-being and the thoughtful preservation of our city’s heritage and natural beauty. As custodians of public trust, we hope that you will take decisive action to reverse this decision and ensure that the Coastal Road remains a legacy of innovation and sustainability, not an avenue for visual and ecological degradation.

 

The Residents of Breach Candy, Napean Sea Road, and Concerned Citizens of Mumbai