MUMBAI: Citizen groups in Bandra (west), home to three waterfront promenades, have urged the civic administration to preserve these public spaces primarily for walking, recreation and sports, while regulating or even prohibiting commercial events, food plazas and advertising installations.
They said they are firmly opposed to promenades being managed through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, fearing it would lead to commercial exploitation of these iconic open spaces.
This was the focus of a series of suggestions they submitted to the BMC Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and state authorities, which are drafting a comprehensive policy to govern Mumbai’s promenades. Residents have suggested that the new policy should clearly define the primary purpose of promenades – which should remain walking, recreation and sports-related activities. Citizen groups have urged the authorities to incorporate such representations while framing the common policy.
The move follows a meeting convened by Mumbai suburban guardian minister Ashish Shelar on August 25 and attended by officials from BMC, Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). IMPACT, a citizens’ group representing over 100 buildings on Carter Road, said promenades must be brought under the BMC’s direct control and maintained through public funds, rather than managed through a PPP model. They said that while they were informed that a public consultation had been held and around 200 people attended, a separate representation opposing commercialisation of the Bandra promenades had been endorsed by 82 buildings and housing societies and submitted to the MMB in June 2026.
Moreover, they said, the new rules must apply equally to all Mumbai promenades, irrespective of the agency that owns or manages the land. Dinesh Pallewad, assistant municipal commissioner, H-West ward, said, “A committee will be formed with the civic chief and members from MMB and other stakeholders to formulate this policy.”
The residents have also called for meaningful public consultation before the policy is finalised.
