2 days ago
Powai Residents Protest Commercial Growth, Demand Infrastructure Before Projects
About 500 people in Powai protested against new commercial projects.
They said the area is growing faster than its roads and other services.
Residents worry that new projects could bring more than 20,000 extra vehicle trips each day.
They also raised concerns about water, sewage, drainage, emergencies and environmental damage.
The residents said they are not against development itself.
Instead, they want the government to study all projects together before approving more construction.
A residents’ group from Chandivali supported the protest and called for a pause on new permits until roads improve.
BGRE, the company developing a major commercial centre, said it follows government rules and supports sustainable development.
The company also said it would continue working with residents and other stakeholders.
Around 500 Powai residents held a silent protest against unplanned commercial development.
Residents estimate proposed projects could add more than 20,000 daily vehicle trips.
They want a cumulative assessment of traffic, water, sewage, drainage, emergencies and environmental effects.
Residents say existing infrastructure is already overburdened and oppose further large-scale permissions without upgrades.
BGRE said its developments have statutory approvals and pledged sustainable mobility, green spaces and community engagement.
- Who
- Around 500 Powai residents, the Powai Action Forum and the Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association participated; BGRE responded on behalf of the commercial project developer.
- What
- Residents protested unplanned commercial growth and demanded infrastructure improvements and a cumulative impact assessment before new projects are approved.
- Where
- The march ran from Haiko through Hiranandani Gardens to Atal Park in Powai, Mumbai, along concerns affecting the Powai-Chandivali corridor.
- When
- The protest took place on a Sunday; residents had also held a public awareness meeting on August 2, and a report cited in the article was published on July 30.
- Why
- Residents said existing roads and public infrastructure are already overstressed and that additional projects could worsen congestion, environmental risks and pressure on civic services.
Residents Demand Infrastructure First
Developer Supports Regulated Growth
Whether construction should continue
Residents Demand Infrastructure First
Powai and Chandivali residents want no further large-scale permissions, with the Chandivali association calling for a freeze on new construction permits until essential roads are built and operational.
Developer Supports Regulated Growth
BGRE said commercial growth should align with sustainable urban development and that its projects are being undertaken with required statutory approvals.
Impact of new development
Residents Demand Infrastructure First
Residents say the cumulative effect of commercial and residential projects could cause gridlock, worsen pressure on civic services and increase environmental risks, including possible flooding and landslides from hill cutting.
Developer Supports Regulated Growth
BGRE said it is committed to green spaces, sustainable mobility and community engagement while working constructively with residents and other stakeholders.
Position on development
Residents Demand Infrastructure First
Powai residents said they are not against economic growth, but want evidence-based planning and infrastructure improvements before additional projects proceed.
Developer Supports Regulated Growth
The developer maintains that responsible commercial growth can proceed under applicable statutory guidelines and with sustainability measures.
Key facts
- Protest attendance
- Around 500 residents participated.
- Organiser
- Powai Action Forum organised the silent protest.
- Estimated traffic impact
- Residents estimate more than 20,000 additional vehicle trips daily from new commercial projects.
- Major proposed facility
- A 30,000-seat Global Capacity Centre is under development.
- Requested assessment
- Residents want existing, approved and proposed developments assessed together for cumulative impacts.
- Infrastructure concerns
- Traffic, water, sewage, drainage, emergency access and the environment were identified as key issues.
- Developer response
- BGRE said development has requisite statutory approvals and follows applicable guidelines.
Quotes
Mandeep Singh Makkar
Founder of the Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association
“We already have a 30,000-seat Global Capacity Centre (GCC) coming up, while existing commercial and residential developments are also being redeveloped or expanded.”
freepressjournal.in
“The BMC must freeze all new construction permits until basic road infrastructure for existing citizens is built and operational.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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