The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a stop-work notice for the proposed 14-storey residential building on Walkeshwar Road, near the Governor’s bungalow.
This action follows mounting protests from local residents who have raised concerns over the narrowing of the road and increased traffic congestion.
The residents have been advocating for the widening of Walkeshwar Road to 27.45 meters, as per the Development Plan 2024. However, the BMC had previously reduced the proposed width to 17 meters, citing uneven land. Ironically, the site for the new high-rise, located at Teen Batti junction, is situated on the same steep slope land that the residents believe could be utilized for road expansion.Assistant Municipal Commissioner of D Ward, Manish Valunju, confirmed that the stop-work notice was issued after the Building Proposal Department flagged the commencement of construction without proper endorsement of the commencement certificate.
The notice directs the architect and developer to cease all work until further orders from the Building Proposal Department regarding the reduction of road length at Walkeshwar Road.The residents, led by community activist Tushar Prabhoo, have been vocal in their opposition to the project. Prabhoo pointed out that the entire stretch of road from Afghan Consulate to the plot is owned by the government as part of the Raj Bhavan land. He criticized the BMC for not acquiring the land to initiate road widening, which he deems essential to alleviate congestion in the area.The Walkeshwar Road serves as a crucial artery connecting various high-profile residences and government offices, including the Mantralaya. The road currently lacks adequate footpaths and pedestrian facilities, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents and commuters alike.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between urban development and the preservation of existing infrastructure in Mumbai. While development is necessary to accommodate the city’s growing population, it is equally important to consider the impact on existing communities and ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with development.As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the BMC’s next steps and whether they will prioritize the concerns of the residents or proceed with the development plans. The outcome could set a precedent for future urban development projects in Mumbai, balancing the need for growth with the preservation of community interests.
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BMC Stops Walkeshwar Building After Protests
