Cuffe Parade Residents Protest Over Rampant Encroachments
Residents of Cuffe Parade, one of Mumbai’s upscale neighbourhoods, have raised alarms over the unchecked spread of illegal encroachments along the seashore, particularly on Captain Prakash Pethe Marg. The Cuffe Parade Residents Association (CPRA) has accused local authorities, including the Mumbai City Collector and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), of turning a blind eye to the growing menace.
According to Laura Dsouza, President of CPRA, the development of unauthorized structures not only presents a security threat but also severely affects the quality of life for the residents. She expressed frustration over the authorities’ failure to act, despite repeated complaints from citizens. “The rampant encroachments are a result of the negligence of the Collector and the indifference of the BMC. These illegal structures are expanding vertically with no enforcement in sight,” Dsouza stated. The land along Captain Prakash Pethe Marg falls under the jurisdiction of the Mumbai City Collector, whose responsibility it is to ensure that no illegal constructions occur. However, the CPRA claims that the local BMC A ward office has failed to provide the necessary machinery for demolition.
In one instance, after numerous complaints about encroachments near the sea, the Collector’s office sent a team along with police officers to demolish the illegal structures. However, when the BMC attempted to assist with the demolition, they reportedly sent workers with chisels and hammers, which proved ineffective against the solid concrete structures. The demolition was abandoned, and since then, no further action has been taken. The Deputy Collector, explained that while the BMC does cooperate in providing machinery, the narrow lanes around Budhwar Park and the coastal location made it difficult for heavy equipment, like JCBs, to reach the site. He also clarified that while temporary structures can be demolished, old and authorized structures cannot be razed without a policy decision regarding rehabilitation for the residents.
Despite these explanations, CPRA remains dissatisfied with the ongoing issues. They argue that with proper vigilance from authorities, these encroachments would never have occurred. The CPRA criticized the constant shifting of responsibility between the Collector’s office and the BMC, leaving the public to bear the consequences. In the last six months, authorities claim that over 70 unauthorized structures in Budhwar Park and nearby areas have been demolished. However, residents are calling for more consistent efforts to prevent further encroachments and better coordination between the relevant departments. As the issue persists, tensions continue to rise, and the residents are demanding immediate action to restore order and security in their community.
