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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has temporarily suspended its plan to concretise the Auxilium Convent Road in Pali Hill after strong opposition from local residents. The decision followed a formal complaint highlighting concerns about dust pollution, environmental damage, and access issues for emergency vehicles. BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani directed civic officials to engage with residents before proceeding further. Similar opposition has been observed in other parts of Mumbai, including Bandra West, Colaba, and Marine Drive, where citizens have urged the civic body to prioritise roads in poor condition rather than reconstructing those in good shape
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has put on hold its plan to concretise the Auxilium Convent Road in Pali Hill, following strong objections from local residents. This decision came a day after concerns were raised regarding the necessity of the project, given that the road was built only five years ago and remains in good condition. Advertisement
The Pali Hill Residents Association (PHRA) had formally written to Gagrani earlier, highlighting the road's current good condition. PHRA Secretary Madhu Poplai, former corporator Asif Zakaria, and other residents subsequently met with BMC officials from the roads department, successfully halting the planned work. The Auxilium Convent Road is a dead-end, primarily used by locals, and is lined with mature trees that could be damaged by the construction. Additionally, a nearby girls' primary school raised concerns about dust pollution and potential hazards. With an upcoming redevelopment project in the area, residents also feared that concretisation could obstruct emergency vehicle access.
In response, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani instructed civic officials to conduct an inspection and engage with the residents before making any further decisions. According to a press release issued recently, the authorities will evaluate similar cases across Mumbai on an individual basis, considering both the condition of the roads and the extent of opposition from local residents.
Previously, similar demands were raised by residents of Mount Mary Road and Kane Road in Bandra West, as well as by citizens in Colaba and Marine Drive. Former corporator Makarand Narwekar had also written to the municipal commissioner, stressing that four roads in Colaba-Henry Marg, Tullak Marg, Garden Road, and Walton Road-were in good condition and did not require immediate concretisation.
Currently, the BMC has undertaken a large-scale project to convert more than 450 km of roads in Mumbai into cement-concrete (CC), with a goal of completing 132 km before the onset of the monsoon.
The suspension of road concretisation in Pali Hill highlights the increasing civic engagement of Mumbai's residents in urban planning decisions. While the BMC continues its efforts to modernise road infrastructure, citizens are advocating for a more selective approach that prioritises roads in poor condition rather than resurfacing those that are still functional. Moving forward, a collaborative approach between the administration and residents will be essential to ensure that developmental projects align with the city's actual needs.
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