Mumbai Opposition to the proposed Colaba jetty is mounting, with Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora becoming the latest to voice concern. Deora met deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday to highlight locals’ objections to the project. He also mentioned that a meeting with residents and Union Ports minister Nitesh Rane would be held soon to ensure that any development aligns with the needs of the community.
Deora stated that, with Shinde also being the guardian minister of Mumbai city, he assured him that the issue would be taken up at the District Planning and Development Committee meeting.
In a letter submitted to Shinde on Sunday, he mentioned that while the initiative to enhance water transport infrastructure is much appreciated and certainly aligned with the city’s development needs, the specific location currently under consideration may pose significant challenges.
“Gateway of India is already a high-footfall tourist destination, and the addition of a new jetty in this immediate vicinity could lead to considerable congestion, safety concerns, and general inconvenience to tourists and locals. “…kindly consider alternative and more suitable locations such as Ferry Wharf (Bhaucha Dhakka) or Ballard Estate, both of which are better equipped to handle maritime activities and traffic with comparatively less disruption to the public,” he said.
Previously, Rahul Narwekar, the local BJP MLA and Speaker of the legislative assembly, and former corporator Makrand Narwekar had opposed the project.