Beaches should be made encroachment-free

Representational Image

Construction material on Dadar beach has been cleared following a mid-day report accompanied by photographs, which highlighted the complaints of residents concerned about the encroachment of the stretch.

A contractor had been using the beach for material storage and processing. After the clearance, the spot has become accessible to all. It is disappointing, though, that Dadar residents' complaints had not led to action, and it had to take a report in this newspaper to spur those responsible into taking action. It is also telling that locals live in a state of constant worry and fear about open spaces being usurped or rendered inaccessible somehow or other. While citizen activism is welcome, it is a reflection on our system - and a not very good one - that people have to constantly be alert and alive to these encroaching attempts. It is even more unfortunate that after raising red flags, nothing changed till the fourth pillar of democracy brought the problem into the spotlight.

Our beaches should be ready for summer crowds, with most exams having wrapped up and the holiday season here. The visitors may be locals or tourists; that is immaterial, though. We know that these spots see a high tide of people, especially at this time.

Clear obstructions of any kind and keep the beach free. The sand is to walk on, not for storing material or even discarding waste.

Ensure visibility, especially important as crowds still saunter around during sunset, too. While patrolling an entire beach all the time may be difficult, good lighting, at least, is a must. Enough trash bins and cleanliness (here, visitors must play a part) are important. Mumbai beaches, here we come.