Environmentalists and transport experts have initiated a signature campaign to oppose the ambitious coastal road project of the state government, terming it to be “impractical and destructive on the ecological front”.
“We have started a signature campaign to protest the coastal road project. What Mumbai needs is more buses, improvement in railway stations and new initiatives to make it more pedestrian friendly,” said Rishi Aggarwal, an environmentalist.
According to Mr Aggarwal, the coastal road will cause considerable damage to coastal ecology and will deprive millions of citizens from much cherished promenades and recreational areas along the coast. “Thus, it is not in public interest. It is a private interest project meant for those who will make money from the contracts,” he said.
Transport expert Sudhir Badami said, “The concept of a ring road or a coastal road in an urban space is quite understandable for cities, which have growth possibilities in all directions…In a city like Mumbai, this concept is inappropriate as a major length of the road has no developmental possibility.”
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‘Gangster tarnishing locality’
Age Correspondent
Mumbai, Oct. 28
The Malwani police has registered an FIR against gangster Vicky Malhotra, following a complaint filed by Malad-based lawyer Parminder Kaur (39).
According to Ms Kaur’s complaint, Malhotra had constructed a bungalow next to her house a few years ago at Rathodi Village in Malad (west). “When he moved in after being released, he brazenly continued all his illegal activities. I see weapons, dangerous looking gangsters, huge wads of notes and alcohol being brought to his house everyday and fear for the life of my family and other residents. He barged into my house on September 18 in the afternoon and manhandled me, my husband and son,” alleged Ms Kaur.