Letter to BMC

Aryasiddh Shah

shaharyasiddh@gmail.com

10th March 2021

Iqbal Chahal

Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai

2nd Floor, Annex Building,

Mahapalika Marg, C.S.M.T. Mumbai 400001

Tel: +91 22 22694725 / 27

Fax: +91 22 22694719

Email: ccrsdmp@gmail.com

Dear Mr Iqbal Chahal,

I am writing to you to address the recent Mumbai Coastal Road Project, which is currently being built. The idea of shortening travel times is great, but it has many downsides. From fishermen of Mumbai to sightseers from elsewhere, it affects everyone who comes or lives in Mumbai.

1. The Kolis. The native indian fisherman have been fishing on the coastline of mumbai for many centuries (though Mumbai itself is a result of reclamation before the Kolis)

2. Though we love the idea of shortening travel times, this definitely isn’t healthy for the planet. Dehli, which has been struggling with air pollution for a long time, has around 2,001 cars every square kilometer- while Mumbai already has 2101 per sq km. Building more roads for cars can’t be good for the environment and the population of Mumbai. Leading Pulmonologists have pointed out that healthy Indian residents’ lung function is 25-30% which is 32-38% LESS than an average American.

3. Income equality. Mumbai has already been divided from the west to the east. This road will only be useful for people with a higher income. The promenade will have gyms, offices, clubs, entertainment hubs, hotels. They will not need to interact with the rest of the city, which will simply be the source/provider for essential services. The geographical segregation of rich and poor has been known to result in severe social distress.

We therefore urge you to put a stop to this project that has nothing to offer but worsening health, segregation, risk and uncertainty. Instead, we ask you to put the money where the city needs it – in basic infrastructure and services, in basic health and educational facilities, and in mass-transit systems like trains that are attractive to all income groups and in particular benefit citizens who need them most, those with the least means.

Yours Sincerely,

Aryasiddh Shah