Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Monday assured the Bombay High Court that no portion of the wall near the Gateway of India, marked for demolition for a proposed passenger jetty and terminal near the Radio Club, will be touched until June 30.
The assurance came from Advocate General Birendra Saraf during a hearing on two public interest litigations (PILs) opposing the project on environmental and heritage grounds.
The High Court is currently hearing two petitions—one filed by the Clean and Heritage Colaba Residents Association (CHCRA) and another by three residents of Cuffe Parade—challenging the project, which is being implemented by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). The petitioners allege that the project lacks proper environmental clearances and threatens the heritage character of the area.
Earlier this month, the MMB defended the project, calling it a critical public infrastructure initiative aimed at decongesting the Gateway of India area and improving commuter safety. In response to the PIL, the Board submitted an affidavit stating that no work was being carried out at the site currently, as the Mumbai Port Trust has indicated construction cannot proceed during the monsoon.
Meanwhile, a third PIL, filed during the summer vacation, raises fresh environmental concerns. The Advocate General stated the state would file a reply addressing new grounds raised in this petition.
The court noted that piecemeal hearings were not feasible and fixed June 24 as the next date of hearing for the first two petitions. CHCRA has been granted time till June 20 to file its rejoinder. In the second petition, rejoinders are to be filed by July 5, with a hearing scheduled for July 7. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) is expected to submit its response shortly.
