Colaba Jetty Row: South Mumbai Residents Plan Two More PILs, Candle March On May 3 Against Politicians

After a writ petition has been filed against the proposed Rs229 crore passenger jetty near the Gateway of India, the residents of South Mumbai are planning to file two more public interest litigations (PIL) against the project. On Saturday Colaba and Cuffe Parade residents will hold a silent candle march to mark their protest against the jetty and the politicians.

Ever since the fisheries and port development minister Nitesh Rane laid the foundation stone for the construction of a VIP jetty near the Gateway of India in March, residents have been opposing the project. They have alleged that the jetty is being planned for the VIPs with vested interest without considering local issues like traffic congestion, overcrowding and damage to the heritage structure.

On Saturday, the residents of Colaba and Cuffe Parade will hold a silent march from Dr. BR Ambedkar statue on Madam Cama Rd to the Radio Club promenade with candles to protest against the jetty. The residents have alleged that the project ignores heritage preservation, compromises residents’ safety and highlights the government’s misplaced priorities.

Dr. Laura D’Souza, president of the Cuffe Parade Residents’ Association (CPRA), said, “We are not against development but this huge project seems more like an attempt of garnering attention. The residents are fed up with the mixed signals that we are receiving from the politicians. Everytime they claim to support us but they don’t act in that direction. We have suffered enough and will not let these politicians take us for a ride every time.”

Clean Heritage Colaba Residents’ Association (CHCRA), an association of the residents of Colaba, has already moved the Bombay High Court seeking a stay against the construction of the proposed jetty. The association has filed a writ petition challenging Maharashtra government and Maharashtra Maritime Board’s (MMC) decision to construct the passenger jetty and terminal facilities. The matter is listed to be heard by the court on Friday.

Moreover, two more public interest litigations (PIL) are being planned to be filed in the Bombay High Court against the jetty. Former Congress MLA Annie Shekhar’s daughter Anita Shekhar is expected to file a PIL on behalf of CPRA and Pasta Lane Residents’ Association. Similarly, three Colaba residents are also planning to file a separate PIL in the same matter.

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