BMC dumping debris on beach and into the sea, claims activist

BMC says gallery is being built after taking into consideration altitudes, tides and water pressure from a scientific point of view. Pic/Ashish Raje

Environmental activist Zoru Bhathena has complained about the dumping of debris by the BMC at the site of the planned viewing gallery at Girgaon chowpatty. In a complaint to the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority, he has claimed that soil, rocks and debris are being dumped on the sandy beach and into the sea which is illegal, and not allowed in CRZ I. Environment and Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray had inaugurated the work undertaken by the D ward office, earlier this month.

The gallery will be the new tourist destination along Marine Drive. At the northern end of Girgaon chowpatty in D ward, the planned viewing gallery is to offer a unique and captivating view of the sea and Marine Drive. Currently, a storm water drainage outlet carries rainwater to the sea near Tambe Chowk, and the viewing gallery will be built at the spot.

The gallery will be spread across 475 square meters above the storm water outlet. As per civic officials, plans are to set up the gallery taking into consideration the tides, altitudes and pressure of water from a scientific point of view.

‘All permissions obtained'

The civic officials had earlier said, "All the relevant permissions required to set up this gallery have been obtained and it is expected that it will be ready in the next 3 months."

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However, Bhathena has claimed that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is misusing liberty and carrying out illegal work and is likely doing this to create an access for construction of the gallery. His complaint letter has pointed out that the dumping at the site is being carried out to enable access to the piling machine to construct the piles/ stilts. However, such reclamation for access is not permitted in the CRZ-1 area.

‘BMC damaging coastal area'

Bhathena said, "As per the plans the proposed gallery will be built over a drain pipe, on stilts. The work is being carried out on the beach and in the intertidal area. Carrying out dumping work is misusing the power and causing damage to the coastal area. The BMC is the authority concerned with stopping such illegal dumping in CRZ-1 areas. And therefore they should take immediate steps to stop this illegal work and take corrective measures to protect Girgaon chowpatty."

The D ward assistant municipal commissioner, Prashant Gaikwad said, "We are carrying out the work as we have all the necessary CRZ permissions in place. It is just a temporary arrangement for 15 days or so and later it will be be restored."