MUMBAI: NGO NAGAR has written to the BMC to reconsider its proposal for allowing hoardings along the open space facing the Coastal Road running from Marine Drive to Worli. While the civic body has said that none of the hoardings are coming up on reclaimed land, the plans are for setting up hoardings along the open spaces which have existed prior to the coming up of the Coastal Road.
The NGO, in its letter, has pointed out the latest BMC Draft Policy Guidelines for Display of Outdoor Advertisement 2024, which states, “No hoardings shall be permitted in the compulsory open spaces required to be maintained under the Development Control Regulations of Greater Mumbai (DCR) including public recreation grounds, playgrounds, parks and gardens.”
Further, they have mentioned that the two garden spaces where the hoardings are proposed, namely Tata Garden, designated as an Existing Open Space (EOS 2.6 Recreation Ground), and Haji Ali Garden, also marked as an Existing Open Space (EOS 1.5 Garden) in the Development Plan, are vital public amenities that should not be exploited for commercial gain.
“Additionally, the area along the coastal road is intended to serve as a green public space, protected from commercial activities. The placement of hoardings in the open spaces not only violates the guidelines regarding hoarding placements, but the installation of hoardings along the Coastal Road contradicts the vision of sustainable and environmentally friendly open spaces for the community.
We urge BMC to reconsider this decision that gravely affects the open spaces, safety, and ecology of our city,” states the letter signed by trustees Nayana Kathpalia and Meher Rahat.