Mumbai’s hidden beach near Aksa goes viral, raising major safety and security concerns

A beautiful yet hidden stretch of coastline between Aksa and Marve has suddenly transformed from a deserted and mysterious location into Mumbairsquos newest and potentially most dangerous viral hotspotWhile social media influencers portray the beach as a peaceful and scenic getaway the ground reality appears far more concerning The beach is not legally recognised as a public tourist destination and therefore has no lifeguards or security arrangementsFor years this unmarked shoreline bordered by the INS Hamla naval base on one side and Aksa beach on the other remained largely deserted But in recent months social media influencers and content creators discovered the spot Their reels and videos promoting it as a ldquosecret paradiserdquo attracted views drawing tourists couples and youngsters to the area for picnics and leisureTrespassers some of whom are minors on the premises of the abandoned JJ Hospital Nursing Society PICSSAMIULLAH KHANReaching the hidden beach is not easy Entry from the Madh side remains completely restricted as the area lies adjacent to the INS Hamla base where the Indian Navy has installed barricades and deployed roundtheclock armed security personnel However visitors use an alternative route through the abandoned and dilapidated JJ Hospital Nursing Society which shares a boundary with INS Hamla Unseemly activitiesLarge numbers of unchecked visitors are reportedly entering the area daily with the JJ Hospital Nursing Societyrsquos empty bungalows allegedly becoming a hub for antisocial activities Groups of young people are reportedly gathering there to allegedly consume narcotics and alcoholThe lsquohidden beachrsquo between Aksa and Marve which is not legally recognised as a public tourist destination PICSSAMIULLAH KHANCouples are also said to be using the abandoned rooms Additionally local sources allege that suspected sex workers operating near the AksaMarve stretch have been using the isolated structures to meet clientsGround reportWhen midday recently went to the spot to verify sources claims what emerged during the visit appeared consistent with several concerns being voiced by residents activists and lifeguards regarding unrestricted access deteriorated infrastructure and lack of oversightEase of accesssAccess to JJ Hospital Nursing Society was available from the main road through two primary entry points The first gate was severely damaged Due to heavy rainfall and strong winds fallen trees and debris partially obstructed the route making vehicle movement difficult although pedestrians could easily enter Around 100 metres ahead a second gate was ajar Through this entrance vehicles could access the property and proceed towards the beach with relative ease Within the premises midday observed around seven small stairway access points leading towards the beachSociety in shamblesScattered across the property were more than a dozen empty rundown bungalows residential structures and office buildings Many had broken doors damaged windows collapsed walls and partially destroyed bathrooms Large overgrown bushes surrounded the structures the roofs of which appeared unstableThe abandoned and dilapidated JJ Hospital Nursing Society at Madh whose premises are allegedly being misused by visitorsRoasting sessionThis reporter observed multiple individuals and couples occupying some of the abandoned structures In one building a burnt Activa scooter was found with vehicle parts scattered nearby People were also observed sitting on terraces and inside the abandoned premises Near one structure adjoining the beach two young couplesmdashappearing to be teens mdash were seen lighting a fire and roasting chicken When asked they stated that they often visit the location for picnics and recreation Groups of young men were seen carrying bottles that appeared to contain alcohol while dancingOn the beachVisitors were engaged various activities mdash some couples sat in isolated areas while groups of boys were seen playing games on the shore before later entering the sea to swimEnvironmental impactAccording to Anand Mohite the coastline was once considered a safe nesting zone for marine turtles ldquoBut after visitor movement increased their arrival has reduced significantly Human disturbance is changing the natural behaviour of wildlife in the areardquo he saidLifeguard speaksA lifeguard told midday ldquoAt Aksa beach unlike this spot lifeguards and police are present Many times people argue when they are stopped from entering the sea but police intervention prevents them from taking risksrdquo He added ldquoThe government should immediately close the access route If this continues a major accident could happen in the futurerdquoVoice of concernAnand Mohite Wildlife conservationist and snake rescuer saidldquoEarlier anyone who came here accessed it from Aksa beach but the location went viral large numbers of visitors have started arrivingrdquo He added ldquoThere are no caretakers or security guards here Visitors are consuming intoxicants under whose influence fights break outrdquoAccording to Mohite though the location is part of the larger Aksa beach coastline it lies around one to oneandahalf kilometres away from the main public beach area and lacks tourist infrastructure He also raised concerns over the locationrsquos proximity to sensitive defence infrastructure ldquoParts of the naval premises are adjacent to this land and firing practice is carried out there If someone unknowingly climbs the wall or attempts to enter a serious accident could occurrdquo he saidMohite said he had written to the collectorrsquos office Malwani police fire brigade Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and the Indian Navy seeking their intervention ldquoWe have been informed that ownershiprelated legal issues concerning the property are pending Until the matter is resolved in court temporary security arrangements should be put in placerdquo he urgedpopcorn numberJune 26 descDay 17yearold drowned at spot off Malad beach classDefaultpopcorn numberJune 28 descDay 17yearoldrsquos body was discovered classDefault