In Mumbai, residents are increasingly taking on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to oppose harmful or unnecessary government projects, advocating instead for alternatives that serve the community’s best interests. These “citizen warriors” are reshaping the city’s landscape by challenging the BMC’s plans for infrastructural changes that don’t align with their vision for their neighborhoods.
Mount Mary Residents Stand Against Concretisation
On January 22, the residents of Mount Mary and Kane Roads in Bandra raised their voices against the BMC’s plan to concretise their well-maintained roads. Members of the ALM33 (Advance Locality Management 33) wrote to BMC officials, stating that their roads, which have been carefully maintained for years with paver blocks and mastic asphalt, are perfectly fine, even during monsoons. They argued that concretisation would disrupt the area’s aesthetic, particularly around heritage sites like Mount Mary and St Stephen’s churches. With the support of local leaders, including former corporator Asif Zakaria, the BMC’s road department inspected the area, though the final decision remains pending.
Breach Candy Residents Fight for Green Spaces
Breach Candy, an area facing the potential development of 87 acres of open spaces along the Coastal Road, has seen its residents push for a greener alternative. The Breach Candy Residents’ Forum (BCRF) suggested turning the space into a forest rather than a recreational zone, hoping to create a “sacred grove” that would maintain privacy for surrounding buildings and protect the community from excessive foot traffic. Although the BMC has yet to approve the plan, the BCRF has had successes, such as advocating for an additional exit to ease traffic congestion caused by the Coastal Road project. They also halted plans for an underground car park that they felt would be impractical given the area’s traffic conditions.
Khar-Santacruz Flyover: Citizens’ Victory Against BMC
In a significant victory for citizen activism, residents of Khar and Santacruz managed to get the BMC to scrap its plans for a Rs.2,400 crore flyover that would have gone through residential areas. Over the course of several months, citizen groups like the Mumbai North Central District Forum (MNCDF) and the Santacruz East Residents Association (SERA) united to form a compelling case against the flyover’s design. Their efforts, backed by MLA Ashish Shelar, led to the cancellation of the flyover plan after BMC officials acknowledged the concerns about noise pollution, traffic congestion, and the destruction of local amenities.
Akurli Road Traffic Woes and Citizen Response
Traffic problems on Akurli Road, particularly after the post-pandemic surge in office traffic, prompted citizens to take action. The group, We All Connect (wAc), highlighted the severe delays that commuters faced daily. Through strategic meetings with BMC and traffic officials, they advocated for solutions like installing dividers and managing the flow of heavy vehicles. While there has been progress, many of their demands remain unmet due to bureaucratic delays, causing frustration among residents.
Matunga’s Parking Tower Controversy
In 2022, plans to build two high-rise robotic parking towers in Matunga raised objections from local residents, who were not consulted about the project. Chetan Trivedi, part of the Petition Group, led the charge to scrap the Rs.126 crore project, citing multiple irregularities, including the BMC’s flawed plans and safety concerns. The group’s persistence, combined with public protests and legal backing, resulted in the cancellation of the project in January 2025.
Chandivali’s Traffic and Development Struggles
In Chandivali, residents faced mounting traffic congestion due to the rapid real estate growth in the area. Narrow roads and encroachments made daily commutes difficult. In August 2023, after a series of protests and even a hunger strike, they demanded a 90-feet road to improve access to the JVLR. Their efforts paid off when the BMC took notice and allocated ₹28 crore to construct the long-promised road, while also initiating improvements to the existing infrastructure.
Conclusion: Empowered Citizens Shape Mumbai’s Future
The growing movement of citizen activism in Mumbai is showing the power of collective action in shaping the city’s future. From protecting heritage sites to ensuring green spaces and improving infrastructure, Mumbai’s residents are proving that when they come together, they can influence major urban developments. Their activism is not only helping to hold the BMC accountable but also inspiring other communities to advocate for the changes they want to see.
