1 week ago
MMB Seeks Control of Bandra Bandstand Over BBRT Concerns
The Bandra Bandstand promenade in Mumbai is at the center of a dispute.
The Maharashtra Maritime Board wants to take back responsibility for maintaining it.
The board says the residents’ trust managing parts of the promenade made a partnership with USV without permission.
It also says the trust did not provide requested financial records for five years.
The board removed a sign that named the trust and USV as caretakers.
It also removed signs that banned pets, eating and cycling without approval.
The residents’ trust disagrees with the board’s concerns.
It says its accounts are audited and that USV paid for garden upkeep independently.
No final decision has yet been issued by the board’s chief executive.
The Maharashtra Maritime Board has proposed cancelling BBRT’s long-standing NOC to maintain the Bandra Bandstand promenade.
MMB alleges BBRT partnered with USV Pvt. Ltd. without obtaining required prior approval.
The maritime authority says BBRT failed to submit five years of accounts and audit reports despite three requests.
MMB removed signage naming BBRT and USV as caretakers and dismantled unauthorized restrictions on pets, eating and cycling.
BBRT says its accounts are properly audited, it has cooperated with authorities, and USV independently funded garden maintenance without paying BBRT.
- Who
- The Maharashtra Maritime Board, Bandra Bandstand Residents Trust, and USV Pvt. Ltd.
- What
- MMB has recommended cancelling BBRT’s maintenance NOC and reclaiming control of the promenade.
- Where
- The 1.1-kilometre Bandra Bandstand promenade and Central Garden in Mumbai.
- When
- The dispute began in May; financial records were requested on July 3, July 21 and August 7, with a further notice issued on August 10, 2026.
- Why
- MMB cites an allegedly unauthorized partnership, missing financial statements, and unauthorized restrictions and signage.
MMB’s concerns
BBRT’s response
USV partnership
MMB’s concerns
MMB says BBRT engaged USV Pvt. Ltd. to manage garden areas without the maritime board’s mandatory prior permission.
BBRT’s response
BBRT says USV has voluntarily and independently maintained Central Garden since its creation and has made no contribution, donation, sponsorship or other payment to BBRT.
Financial transparency
MMB’s concerns
MMB says BBRT failed to provide five years of accounts and audit reports despite three letters and a later administrative notice.
BBRT’s response
BBRT says it maintains proper audited accounts, has nothing to hide, and has already responded in writing to MMB officials, without clarifying whether the requested statements were submitted.
Promenade restrictions
MMB’s concerns
MMB says BBRT displayed unauthorized blanket bans on pets, pet owners, eating and cycling, and removed the signage after citizen complaints.
BBRT’s response
BBRT says it has consistently clarified its role in maintaining the promenade and cooperated with MMB and other authorities.
Key facts
- Authority
- Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB)
- Residents’ trust
- Bandra Bandstand Residents Trust (BBRT)
- Promenade length
- 1.1 kilometres
- Maintenance history
- BBRT has maintained the garden since 2002, according to the report.
- MMB expenditure
- Rs 10.06 crore on structural and beautification works between 2019 and 2022.
- Financial records requested
- Five years of annual accounts and audit reports.
- Current status
- A regional port officer recommended cancelling the NOC, but the MMB chief executive had not issued an order.
Quotes
Rusi Jabulee
Secretary of the Bandra Bandstand Residents Trust
“USV has voluntarily and independently borne the costs of maintaining the garden since its creation. BBRT has previously provided detailed clarifications regarding its role in maintaining the promenade and has consistently cooperated with MMB, BMC, Police and other concerned authorities.”
freepressjournal.in
“BBRT is a registered trust and has nothing to hide and is committed to transparency and cooperation with all competent authorities. BBRT has already responded in writing to the MMB CEO and to the port officer sometime back.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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