In a complaint filed with the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority in April this year, the residents of Carter Road pointed out that the promenade is designated as a Green Open Space under the Development Plan 2034 of Mumbai, where no construction can take place without prior CRZ permission
Residents, BMC, and Mangrove Cell officials at the site where the permanent structure is erected for the food plaza
After complaints from residents of Carter Road regarding encroachments on the Carter Road promenade in the form of a food plaza for fisherfolk, the food stalls were inspected by the CRZ team (Mangrove Forest Cell) on Friday morning.
In a complaint filed with the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority in April this year, the residents of Carter Road pointed out that the promenade is designated as a Green Open Space under the Development Plan 2034 of Mumbai, where no construction can take place without prior CRZ permission.
The complaint stated: “We were very surprised to see a permanent construction being erected on the Carter Road promenade for a food plaza for fisherfolk. The said green promenade is also a protected NDZ ‘Green Lung’ under CRZ regulations, where no commercial activity is permitted.”
Taking cognisance of the complaint, officials from the Mangrove Cell, the City Survey Department, and the BMC’s H West ward office inspected the site to assess the status of the permanent structures erected on the promenade for commercial use. A site report will now be sent to the concerned CRZ departments, which will determine the course of action against these food stalls.
The complaint letter also noted that land reserved for fisherfolk exists about 100 metres from the current location of the food plaza, where such activities can legally take place. The letter stated:
“We understand that the said food plaza is being constructed for local fisherfolk to showcase their traditional cuisine. While we applaud this idea, we see no reason for it to be built on a green promenade, especially when the fisherfolk have their own land on Carter Road, just 100 metres away from the current food court location.”
Mumbai-based green activist Zoru Bathena, who was among the residents participating in the Mangrove Cell’s site visit, said, “After our complaint, the officials sought to verify the claims made in our letter.
They recorded the structures built on the green space and reviewed the permissions reportedly granted by the BMC. We have been informed that a panchnama has been done and a report will be submitted to decide the future course of action.”
Speaking to mid-day Assistant Commissioner of BMC's H/West ward, Dinesh Pallewad said, “The visit took place on Friday. It was conducted by the Mangrove Cell. BMC's ward office participated in the site visit. However, the Panchnama report will be filed by the Mangrove Cell." SV Rama Rao, additional principal chief conservatory of forests, told mid-day, “We will check details and provide an update.”
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