An architect in Bombay has filed a PIL in the Bombay High Court seeking changes to the proposed design of the Mumbai Coastal Road (South) to create more accessible open spaces without altering the entire project. The plea asks the court to appoint an expert committee, including urban design specialists, to assess the feasibility of the proposed changes. The petitioner suggests shifting the road inward and placing open spaces on the seaward side of the reclaimed land. The PIL emphasizes the significance of well-designed public areas, as a majority of the city's population is likely to utilize them over the road.
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An architect based in the city of Bombay has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court, requesting modifications to the proposed design of the land-filled section of the Mumbai Coastal Road (South). The purpose of the changes is to create more accessible open spaces without fundamentally altering the entire project. The petitioner seeks the court's intervention to appoint a committee of independent experts, particularly those proficient in the field of urban design and not solely focused on highway engineering. The matter was brought before a division bench consisting of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Arif S Doctor.
Representing the petitioner, senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond and advocate Tushad Kakalia explained that the changes are intended only for the land-filled portion of the Coastal Road (South). The objective is to enhance the creation of accessible open spaces, considering that a larger proportion of the city's population is likely to use these open spaces rather than the road, as most inhabitants do not own private vehicles.
The PIL points out that the Joint Technical Committee's report acknowledged that the coastal road would feature recreational spaces, including seaside gardens and promenades. To achieve the desired accessible open spaces, the petitioner proposes shifting the 45-meter road inward so that it is constructed on the landward side of the reclaimed land, while the open spaces are situated on the seaward side of the reclaimed land. The plea seeks to strike a balance between infrastructural development and public amenities.
By modifying the project's design, the petitioner aims to create inclusive and user-friendly spaces that can be enjoyed by a larger section of the city's population. The requested appointment of an expert committee reflects the petitioner's belief in the importance of urban design expertise in shaping the city's landscape.
The court will review the PIL and consider the petitioner's arguments and suggestions for the project's improvement. Depending on the court's ruling, the Coastal Road (South) could undergo alterations that enhance accessibility and public enjoyment without compromising the overall purpose of the project.
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