NGO NAGAR Challenges Coastal Road Hoardings

NGO NAGAR has voiced strong opposition to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) plan to install hoardings along the Coastal Road, a major infrastructure project stretching from Marine Drive to Worli.

The proposal, which has sparked controversy, involves placing advertisements in open spaces that existed prior to the Coastal Road’s development. Despite BMC assurances that no hoardings will be positioned on reclaimed land, concerns remain about their placement in historically designated open areas. In a recent communication to the BMC, NGO NAGAR referenced the Draft Policy Guidelines for Outdoor Advertisement 2024. According to these guidelines, “No hoardings shall be permitted in compulsory open spaces required to be maintained under the Development Control Regulations of Greater Mumbai (DCR), which include public recreation grounds, playgrounds, parks, and gardens.

“The NGO contends that the proposed sites, Tata Garden and Haji Ali Garden, fall under these protected categories. The NGO argues that these spaces, designated as Existing Open Spaces in Mumbai’s Development Plan, should remain free from commercial exploitation. They assert that the installation of hoardings would not only breach the established guidelines but also compromise the integrity of these public amenities. “The Coastal Road area is envisioned as a green public space, prioritising environmental sustainability and community well-being. Introducing commercial hoardings undermines this vision and threatens the ecological balance and safety of our city’s open spaces,” stated NGO officials.

The BMC’s proposal has ignited a broader debate about the balance between urban development and the preservation of public spaces. Critics argue that allowing advertisements in these areas could set a precedent that might lead to further commercialisation of open spaces intended for public enjoyment. As the situation develops, NGO NAGAR is calling on the BMC to reconsider their decision and uphold the principles of sustainable urban planning. This controversy highlights ongoing tensions between infrastructural advancement and the preservation of Mumbai’s green spaces.