Why Rs 229 crore passenger jetty near Gateway of India has run into fresh salvo of protests

This came a day after nearly 400 residents gathered to register their protest against the project in a public meeting, which was attended and supported by ministers from across political spectrums, including Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant, SP MLA Abu Azmi, and former Colaba corporator Makarand Narwekar, amongst others. In letters, public meetings, and an online petition, residents have called authorities to halt all work on the project and demanded its shift to other locations, including near the Princess Dock, Ferry Wharf or Ballard Estate.

Amid protests, the ministry has called for works to be stalled for the next 10 days, even as officials told The Indian Express that efforts to allay public fears are still underway.

What is the Radio Club Boat Jetty project?

In a bid to uplift the existing facilities at Gateway of India, which is a hub for significant boat traffic, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) is slated to develop a new passenger jetty and a terminal near the iconic landmark in Colaba. Expected to be completed within 30 months, the new jetty is expected to reroute all boat traffic from the Gateway of India, in what is pegged to reduce existing congestion as well as upgrade the old facilities. The new jetty will have the capacity to accommodate up to 20 boats at a time, allowing for smoother and more organised operations. Meanwhile, the terminal building will span 80 square metres and will have a 350-person capacity amphitheatre, a berthing jetty, an approach jetty, a fire safety system, and CCTV, besides gardening and beautification works.

After Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar cleared the decks for the project and allocated Rs 229 crore, Rane performed the ground-breaking ceremony on March 14. However, ever since, the developments have rung alarm bells across several quarters, nudging residents to file letters in opposition.

Why has the project raised concerns?

The project has drawn flak from Colaba residents over the damage to the heritage precinct and the increased traffic congestion. According to the locals, illegal parking is already rampant, with parking along both sides of the Prem Ramchandani Marg between Radio Club and Gateway of India. With the increase in hawkers and vehicular flow in the precinct, residents have aired concerns over the likelihood of heavier traffic jams and inaccessibility to tourists.

“Presently, over 150 ferry boats as well as the speedboats are already parked at the existing jetty at any given point of time. Initially, we were told that the new jetty would be developed at Princess Dock or Dockyard Road. But when the news of the jetty along Gateway precinct came to light, we were shocked. We were not consulted on the project, and the authorities have also failed to furnish documents pertaining to approvals of the project. This is a heritage precinct and the most popular icon of Mumbai, which is flocked by tourists. The creation of the new jetty will block access to the existing routes and further exacerbate the traffic snarls in the already overburdened area,” said Deepaq Silan, a resident of Colaba.

Many have also said that the project will disrupt the heritage charm of the precinct while eliminating a crucial waterfront space from access. In a letter to the chief minister, residents have also flagged concerns over the project’s detrimental effect on the local ecology. “The project threatens to disrupt marine life and the surrounding ecosystem, including fish and other aquatic organisms,” read a letter by Prem Ramchandani Marg Residents of Colaba to the chief minister’s office.

Following the concerns, Rane has directed officials to stall work for 10 days and to clear the air over the concerns. Residents are now slated to convene yet another meeting on April 10 at Vidhan Bhavan, wherein officials are expected to furnish documents of approvals on the project.

What are the authorities saying?

For its part, the MMB maintains that the location at Gateway of India was finalised following feasibility studies which examined the site location amongst other factors.

Speaking to The Indian Express, MMB officials said that the project is essential to upgrade the old facilities and boost tourism in the area. “At present, during low tides, two gates of the existing jetty at Gateway of India are forced to be shut owing to the tidal waters. The existing facility is too old and weak to cater to the large influx of crowds that the site witnesses. During peak tourist season, the police are left burdened due to the lack of adequate management for the public. Meanwhile, there are no basic facilities for children, women, or the differently abled. Therefore, in view of public safety and convenience, this project is very crucial,” a senior official from MMB told The Indian Express, adding that the new facility will be equipped with world-class amenities.

On public opposition, the official said, “Currently, we have stalled works, and our talks with the locals are ongoing. We are trying to convince them, and our next project is scheduled in the coming week.”