Mumbai: Illegal pay-and-park racket thrives on Juhu beach, locals allege

Vehicles illegally parked on the beach. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

In another case of misuse of public open spaces in Mumbai, a stretch of Juhu beach near Sunil Dutt Garden - an intertidal zone that has suffered from unauthorised vehicle parking for years - is now seeing a growing number of vehicles parked daily, with locals claiming no significant action by authorities to date. According to locals, the spot has become a permanent parking area for commercial transport vehicles from nearby businesses and autorickshaws.

Illegal parking issue

Spot: Stretch of Juhu beach, near Sunil Dutt Garden, Juhu Koliwada

Issue: Lack of entry barrier for years, unauthorised vehicle entry on the beach, illegal parking, debris and garbage dumped along intertidal zone

Current status: Barriers yet to be installed, unauthorised vehicle entry continues

Autorickshaws parked at one of the entry points due to a lack of barriers

Local Speak

Devang Mehta, Juhu Koliwada resident
I have noticed the issue for around a year now, which has worsened over the period. I think a shared responsibility between multiple authorities with around-the-clock monitoring, dedicated responsibility, and on-the-spot penalisation, can curb this problem

A local resident

At least 30-50 vehicles have made the beach a permanent parking spot. These are commercial vehicles belonging to scrapyard dealers, and around 10-12 vehicles belong to a single dealer. There are also large vehicles that supply lights and other items required for film shoots. We have learned that there is a politically connected individual who is controlling these spots and charging a parking fee.

Zoru Bhathena, Activist and area resident

The problem has persisted for years but the number of vehicles parked here has increased significantly. Recently, I heard that some individuals are charging for the parking spots there. This is illegal and has been a persistent problem in the city. Authorities actually support these activities; there's a police chowki near this spot. If someone walks on the beach at night, police will stop them, but here a person is parking their vehicle on the beach and they don't act on it.

Nick Dsouza, local resident

Earlier, there were only a few vehicles. But recently, vehicles have started parking right up to the point where the tides recede, despite vehicles not being allowed from the Juhu beach stretch between Silver Beach and the Pagli/Union Bank entrance. We have complained many times, but to no avail.

Official Speak

Yogesh Shinde, senior police inspector, Santacruz police station
We took action against parked vehicles on Friday and increased security arrangements, but a permanent solution is needed. We are sending a joint letter with the Santacruz traffic police, addressed to the port authority, and BMC recommending a joint action plan where they can help resolve the issue permanently through restricted entry to the beach. mid-day contacted Assistant Municipal Commissioner Chakrapani Alle of K West ward, but didn't receive a response till the time of going to press.

30-50
No of vehicles always seen on the beach