Lok Sabha elections 2024: ‘Complete Irla nullah project, stop pasting ads on Metro pillars’

An undated photo of Gulmohar Area Societies Welfare Group members with screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar

Juhu residents have handed a charter of demands to Ravindra Waikar, the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) candidate contesting the Lok Sabha election from the Mumbai North West constituency. In the run-up to polling day, May 20, the Gulmohar Area Societies Welfare Group (GASWG) crafted an eight-point charter, expecting responses from the two prominent politicians in the fray.

The residents are adamant about receiving tangible solutions to the issues outlined in their submission or, at the very least, a clear timeline for addressing their demands.

The charter encompasses various pressing concerns, including the Juhu Vision Plan - a comprehensive initiative aimed at interlinking open spaces and cultural institutions in the Juhu neighbourhood. The residents advocate for the completion of the ongoing Irla nullah pilot project, which commenced in 2015 and involves the construction of a walking and cycling track along the water body. Furthermore, they urge candidates to introduce new projects within the plan to enhance walkability and connect open spaces across Juhu.

Height regulations for buildings are another focal point of their demands, as ambiguity in permissible heights hinders several redevelopment projects. Additionally, the group emphasises the importance of obtaining clearances for developments within a 500-yard radius of the Army Transmission Station near Silver Beach in Juhu, along with exemptions from height restrictions to avail of FSI benefits.

Protection of Central government open spaces in Juhu, as well as the identification of planned hawking zones, are other urgent matters highlighted by the residents. They also advocate for restrictions on hoardings and advertisements on Metro pillars, redevelopment permissions for slums on Juhu airport land and enhanced accessibility through quarterly meetings with residents to address pertinent issues and monitor overall progress.

Speaking to mid-day about their efforts, Ashoke Pandit, filmmaker and chairman of GASWG, emphasised the importance of implementing the Juhu Vision Plan. He expressed frustration at the bureaucratic hurdles hindering its progress, stating, "Files are just moving from one office to another but are stuck for no reason."

Pandit stressed that while these are local issues, the active interest and support from an MP could expedite the process significantly. He highlighted their negative experiences over the past decade due to the lack of engagement from the sitting MP and stressed the importance of active participation from the MP they elect. Pandit believes that the candidates' responses to their charter of demands would be instrumental in residents' decision-making process.

Remaining optimistic, Pandit expressed hope that their concerns would be addressed, emphasising their potential to enhance the daily quality of life in Juhu and serve as a model for other neighbourhoods to follow.

2015
Year Irla nullah pilot project commenced