Mumbai: Environmentalist Files Complaint Against Car Parking in Proposed Colaba Jetty Project

Mumbai, April 21:The proposed jetty project at Apollo Bunder, near the iconic Gateway of India, has once again come under the scanner — this time for the provision of car parking space on the jetty itself. Prominent environmentalist Zoru Bhathena has filed a formal complaint with the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), raising serious objections to the parking plans, citing violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.

In his letter, Bhathena pointed out that the jetty is being constructed in CRZ-IV — a zone where vehicular movement and parking are not permitted. “It is a jetty for boats, not for cars,” he emphasized, referring to MCZMA's own recommendation made in its 93rd meeting held on August 25, 2014, which prohibits parking on such coastal structures.

The Rs 229 crore jetty project, which was inaugurated last month by State Minister for Ports and Fisheries Nitesh Rane, has been the subject of ongoing protests from Colaba residents. The Clean Heritage Colaba Residents Association (CHCRA) has raised multiple concerns, including environmental degradation, traffic congestion, and the impact on the heritage value of the area.

Bhathena’s complaint highlights a reported plan to develop 1.58 acres of car parking on the jetty. He alleges that the plan seems to be a workaround to address the lack of parking spaces in the congested Colaba area. "It appears the jetty is being used as an excuse to add hundreds of parking spots on sea, rather than addressing the issue inland," the letter states. He also criticized the Taj Mahal Hotel for keeping its designated parking space locked, which adds to the existing traffic burden.

Calling for accountability, Bhathena urged the BMC to open existing closed parking facilities in the area. He demanded that the MMB ensure the jetty is used solely for water transport and not repurposed for car parking. He further called on the MCZMA to prevent any actions that violate CRZ norms.

Meanwhile, CHCRA is still awaiting 27 key documents related to the project, including feasibility studies and official approvals, which they had requested from authorities. In a meeting held on April 19, local MLA and Speaker of the Assembly Rahul Narwekar assured the residents that the documents would be made available by April 22.

It may be noted that the construction work on the jetty remains suspended following a directive by Minister Nitesh Rane on March 29. The order came after a high-level meeting involving Colaba residents, MLA Narwekar, and the minister himself, where objections were strongly voiced.

Until the requested documentation is provided and resident concerns are addressed satisfactorily, the jetty project will remain on hold.