'Gateway Of India Wall Not Slated For Demolition Until June 20': Maharashtra Govt Informs Bombay HC Amid PIL Against Colaba Jetty Project

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Friday assured the Bombay High Court that a section of the wall near the Gateway of India, marked for demolition as part of a passenger jetty project, will not be broken before June 20. The assurance came during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Clean and Heritage Colaba Residents Association (CHCRA), opposing the project.

A bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice MS Karnik was hearing a PIL, filed through advocate Prerak Chaudhary, challenging the proposed construction of a passenger jetty and terminal facilities near the iconic Gateway. The project, to be built approximately 280 metres away from the monument and near the Radio Club, includes lounges, ticket counters, offices, shops, and parking for 150 vehicles.

Senior advocate Aspi Chenoy, appearing for the petitioners, argued that the project had been in planning since 2014 but was only made public in January this year. “Mid March there was an inauguration when these documents of the proposed plan were submitted,” said Chenoy..

Chenoy raised concerns about the potential demolition of a 50–60-year-old parapet wall before the monsoon, warning it could worsen flooding. “Even with the wall, water comes over during monsoon. Breaking it will have severe consequences,” he said, adding that the act would be irreversible and serve no immediate purpose. “This wall is meant to be an entry and exit point for the jetty. What is the urgency to demolish it now?”

The senior advocate pointed out that the entire precinct is heritage, a person has to seek permission for even altering a window.

Advocate General Birendra Saraf, representing the State, said the current boat operations near the Gateway posed safety risks. “People going to Mandva and Alibaug gather in large numbers. This project will bring order and the beauty the Gateway deserves,” he said. When asked by the court whether the wall would be demolished soon, Saraf clarified, “As per the current project schedule, the wall is not slated to be broken before June 20.”

Chenoy also argued that the project lies in a Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and a protected heritage area, and that the necessary permissions, including from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) and the Heritage Conservation Committee, were granted without following due process of law.

The court issued notices to the State and other respondents, asking them to file a reply by June 7. The petitioner can file a rejoinder affidavit, if needed. The matter will be heard again on June 16.

The petitioners also contend that there was no public notice or consultation with local residents prior to the project’s approval. They question how the Mumbai Traffic Police granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) despite the area’s existing congestion. Calling the project a threat to the city’s heritage coastline, the petition urges the court to quash the government’s decision. As interim relief, the residents seek a stay on the project’s implementation.

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