Mumbai Govandi CBSE School Road Faces Delay Amid Environmental Hurdle
Govandi’s long-awaited Mumbai Public School CBSE building at Natwar Parekh Compound is ready for students, but the access road required for safe entry faces delays due to environmental and regulatory concerns. Authorities now balance the urgent educational needs of the community with ecological preservation, highlighting the challenges of urban infrastructure development in Mumbai’s densely populated areas.
The new CBSE school building, designed to accommodate hundreds of students, has remained unused for months because the approach road was obstructed by construction debris and garbage. Following intervention by the Solid Waste Management department, the site was cleared, enabling Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) contractors to begin road construction. However, forest department officials soon intervened, citing the proximity of construction debris to a mangrove buffer zone and creek water, in potential violation of the Environment Protection Act.
“Under the Environmental Protection Act, the powers lie with the collector. The matter has been referred to the Kurla Tahsildar,” confirmed officials from the Airoli Mangrove Cell. Kurla-Mulund Tahsildar’s office stated that all necessary inspections and actions are underway to ensure compliance with ecological regulations. While the road construction faces regulatory hurdles, the school’s operational readiness is also under scrutiny, with authorities evaluating the road width and safety for student transit.
Currently, students continue to attend classes at MPS Shivajinagar 1, where classrooms are overcrowded. Parents and the local community have expressed frustration, with petitions demanding that the school building be opened before Diwali. While a back gate into the housing complex is available, it fails to meet BMC’s mandatory nine-metre width required for emergency access, further complicating the opening of the facility.
Urban planners and officials stress the importance of integrating sustainable practices into city infrastructure projects. In areas like Govandi, where urban expansion intersects with sensitive ecosystems, construction must ensure minimal disruption to mangroves, creeks, and natural drainage systems. Sources from BMC indicated that parallel efforts are underway to widen alternative routes and equip classrooms with necessary facilities, ensuring readiness once the access road meets safety standards.
The Govandi CBSE project underscores the broader challenge of balancing rapid educational infrastructure deployment with environmental safeguards. Experts highlight that urban development in densely populated cities must prioritise green compliance, safety, and accessibility while meeting community needs.Community engagement continues to be a key aspect, with school authorities inviting potential donors and residents to view ongoing construction and support timely completion. The resolution of both regulatory and infrastructural challenges will determine when hundreds of students can finally attend the school designed for them, marking a crucial milestone in equitable urban development.
