Several Mumbai citizens living in the Bandra area have reportedly come out against the large number of tetrapods that have been relocated from Haji Ali where the Mumbai coastal road works are in progress to Bandstand.
According to reports, many residents have stated that the tetrapods are stacked up along the seafront for the past few months and they fear could cause harm to anyone who climbs on them during the monsoon season. Moreover, as per officials, there are plans to relocate a few of these tetrapods. Local corporator Asif Zakeria, speaking about the same, said, “Earlier big stones were placed which are still visible for protection of the promenade.” Architect Samarth Das pointed out the bedrock at the Bandstand is a natural barrier against any erosion.
On the other hand, amidst the outbreak of the coronavirus, and the subsequent lockdown, the Coastal Road Project in Mumbai has been continual at a swift pace.
Moreover, at least 217 acres of land has so far been reclaimed from the Arabian Sea for the project, with an additional 50-odd acre yet to be created. According to officials, about 30 per cent of the work has been completed. The ‘Mavala’ underground tunnel boring machine (TBM) also continues to excavate earth from under Malabar Hill, at a pace of 7 metres (m) every day. Currently, about 330m of tunnelling has been finished presently.
However, even though the project is two years away from getting finished, several reports have stated that the project has started having a negative impact on the livelihoods of the fishermen, with their incomes being hit.