Mumbai’s Carter Road promenade has once again become the centre of public debate as residents raised objections to what they describe as a fresh encroachment on the waterfront. A civic action group representing neighbourhood residents has written to the municipal authorities alleging that a public gazebo on the northern end of the promenade is being taken over for religious use, in violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and established public-space guidelines. The issue has renewed concerns about the shrinking availability of accessible, climate-resilient open spaces in the city.
According to residents’ representatives, the structure was recently covered with temporary tin sheets, prompting fears that it may permanently change its character and restrict public access. The group stated that the promenade, used by thousands for walking, exercising, socialising, and coastal recreation, has seen steady commercial pressure and piecemeal alterations over the past few years. An individual linked with the civic group said the matter was escalated collectively to avoid fragmented complaints and ensure transparency in communication with civic officials. Residents have also launched an online petition highlighting what they describe as the “indiscriminate monetisation” of Mumbai’s public land. They argue that incremental, unauthorised alterations—whether commercial, religious, or infrastructural—undermine the integrity of open spaces that play a crucial role in coastal ventilation, heat mitigation, and community well-being. Urban planners note that the loss of porous ground surfaces and informal green pockets contributes to urban heat stress, particularly in dense coastal areas such as Bandra.
The current complaint follows earlier concerns over municipal plans to concrete an open patch near Bandra Fort. While the project was positioned as a beautification initiative, residents said the loss of open earth would worsen heat retention and reduce natural aesthetics. Citizens had also opposed a proposal to reduce a traffic island near a key junction to ease bus manoeuvrability, arguing that such “micro losses” cumulatively erode public commons. The civic group behind the latest grievance previously mobilised efforts to halt an underground parking proposal beneath Patwardhan Park, advocating instead for climate-sensitive alternatives that prioritise surface greening and public recreation. Officials familiar with the matter say the administration will examine the present complaint, adding that any permanent modification on a coastal stretch must comply with CRZ rules.
Urban development experts suggest that Mumbai’s waterfronts require a long-term, community-led management framework that places environmental protections and equitable access at its core. They argue that as cities face rising temperatures and coastal vulnerabilities, accessible public spaces are no longer aesthetic luxuries but essential urban infrastructure. For now, residents remain concerned about the potential loss of yet another shared recreational area. The petition continues to gather support, reflecting growing public scrutiny of how civic authorities utilise, alter, or commercialise open land along Mumbai’s coastline. Many believe that safeguarding these commons is key to ensuring a liveable, inclusive, and climate-resilient city in the years ahead.
Mumbai Citizens Raise Alarm Over Carter Road Encroachment As Environmental And CRZ Issues Grow
