Mumbai: Chandivali residents perform ‘Sadbuddhi Havan’ seeking BMC action on long-pending road

The event was organised by Chandivli Citizens Welfare Association. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE

An unusual demonstration was organised seeking "divine intervention" to impart "good sense and wisdom to the BMC" on Sunday afternoon. Residents of Synchronicity CHSL in Chandivli, performed a "Sadbuddhi Havan" as their last resort to remind the civic body of the long-pending development of the proposed 700-metre-long stretch connecting JVLR to Chandivli Farm Road.

Sandeep Maheshwari

‘BMC Jhoot Bolo' campaign

According to Chandivli Citizens Welfare Association (CCWA), the organiser, the event marked the third anniversary of their "BMC Jhoot Bolo" campaign, which was started after the BMC failed to deliver on its promises. In August 2023, a tender worth Rs 27.78 crore was floated by BMC for the project, but residents say no development followed.

[popcorn number="2023" desc="Year tender was floated for the project" class="Default"]

BMC response

mid-day reached out to the civic body through its official public relations channel with queries seeking an official response to the reasons for the delay and what the residents can expect next, but did not receive a response by the time of going to the press.

The patch where the road is supposed to be built. Pics/Satej Shinde

Organiser Speak

Mandeep Singh Makkar, founder, CCWA
"We have gathered here peacefully with limited participants on private premises, ensuring that there is no unnecessary law-and-order situation. This was the only resort left. We hope this ‘havan pooja' brings us some divine intervention to help the cause. Chandivli just can't bear it anymore; private development has been permitted and continues to grow to date, with many projects upcoming, but authorities have failed to fulfil their parallel development mandates." He added,

"We have raised the concern multiple times with corporators, MLAs, MPs, and municipal officials, but we have been unable to see any development of the proposed road after a 200-metre stretch was constructed last in 2021. That stretch is of no use and serves as parking for private establishments in the area."

Voices

Rohit Dixit, pandit (Hindu priest)
‘I have been a pandit for the last 15 years now. I help people with a list of poojas, but this is a first for me as well. This should definitely help the cause of so many of the area residents regarding this road'

Nilesh Wakode, 52, a resident
‘I have been residing in Chandivli since 2000; the traffic issue wasn't this bad then. Rapid development followed since, and the main roads responsible for accessibility didn't get any significant upgrades or additions. The result has been traffic congestion as soon as the day starts with school buses, and it worsens in peak office hours. The proposed road is a necessity'

Sandeep Maheshwari, 45, a resident
‘I shifted my residence from Kurla to Chandivli 15 years ago. My workplace is still in Kurla, and I commute daily. Traffic has worsened over the years, but this single largest wide road of the area, which was announced five years ago, is yet to be built. Even senior citizens struggle due to prolonged time to reach hospitals'

Sukumar Panikar, 61, a resident
‘Along with residential space, many commercial spaces, including offices, have come up in the area. The commuters who come from their offices also suffer. Many autos and taxis tend to refuse fares of those from the Sakinaka metro station with their destination inside Chandivli; they hate the extended trip time and getting stuck in traffic'

Amar Singh, 62, autorickshaw driver
‘I have 30 years of experience as an autorickshaw driver; trips in this area have worsened over the years. The lack of a new road to decongest the limited main lanes cost the riders twice in waiting time and simultaneously we drivers lose out on running fares'