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Time of India
03-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
Restore right to walk or face the law, Juhu residents warn BMC
Mumbai: Residents of the Gulmohar Area Societies Welfare Group, an advanced locality management (ALM) in Juhu, have accused the BMC of turning their neighbourhood into a "no-walk zone". They cite unchecked encroachments, solid waste lying on the road, debris piling on footpaths, illegal ramps built by high-rises on public footpaths, and unauthorised parking. In a meeting held with the assistant municipal commissioner of K West Ward, Chakrapani Alle, on August 1, facilitated by local MLA Ameet Satam (BJP), the ALM members said that despite repeated complaints, footpaths remain blocked. This makes even short walks, such as from homes to nearby parks, difficult and unsafe. Architect Samarth Das documented the issues through a series of photographs, which the ALM presented to the BMC during their meeting on Friday. He said, "If an area like Juhu can't ensure walkability, what hope do other parts of the city have? We have given the BMC a one-month deadline to take visible steps to restore pedestrian access. (Otherwise) we will be forced to take legal action." Ashoke Pandit, chairman of the group, said, "We are not asking for anything extraordinary. As tax-paying citizens, we want the BMC to only fulfil its obligatory duty of ensuring we have unencroached roads. Instead, the situation has become so deplorable that we are seeing garages come up overnight on footpaths." You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai What we call 'normal' today has become shockingly substandard, said Das. "Basic quality of life -- sanitation, hygiene, pedestrian safety -- is being completely ignored." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Structures erected on footpaths'
The Maharashtra government on Thursday ordered a stay on the construction of 14 air-conditioned toilets at tourist places across south Mumbai, following allegations that the structures were being erected on pedestrian footpaths in violation of urban planning norms and heritage regulations. The Rs 20-crore project, being executed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), came under scrutiny after BJP MLA Ameet Satam raised the issue in the state Assembly through a Calling Attention Motion. Satam alleged that the civic body had cleared tenders and initiated work at multiple locations in Colaba and Fort—both protected heritage precincts—without proper consultation or adherence to BMC's own 'Pedestrian First' policy. 'These are not just toilets. They are BMC-sponsored encroachments that obstruct pedestrian movement and compromise the integrity of heritage zones,' Satam told the House. 'Was the opposition of the local elected representative considered? Who identified these locations and cleared tenders worth Rs 1.75 crore per toilet?' Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, taking strong note of the concerns raised, directed the government to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter and submit a report within 30 days. 'Despite clear opposition from elected representatives, unilateral decisions are being made by officers. If the probe finds violations of policy, action must be taken against the Additional Municipal Commissioner (City),' Narwekar said. Industries Minister Uday Samant, responding on behalf of the government, assured the House that an inquiry would be initiated immediately. 'Work on the toilets will be stayed until the probe is completed. Any procedural irregularities or policy violations will be dealt with strictly,' he said. Work had already commenced at five locations in A Ward. Some of these sites fall within UNESCO-recognised heritage precincts, prompting concerns over possible violations of heritage guidelines. Guardian Minister for Mumbai Suburban Ashish Shelar pointed out that even if heritage committee approval had been obtained, the civic body must ensure compliance with stringent construction norms in protected zones. 'The visual and architectural character of the city must not be compromised. Pedestrian rights cannot be ignored,' he said. The Speaker added that exemplary action must be taken if any official is found bypassing procedure, 'so that such disregard for the legislature is not repeated.'
