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A dispute over a proposed sea protection bund near Machhimar Nagar in Cuffe Parade led to opposing protests by residents and the local fishing community. Residents raised concerns about possible land reclamation and future encroachments due to ongoing stone dumping, while fisherfolk supported the project, citing repeated flooding during high tides. The situation turned tense when both groups confronted each other at a public garden, requiring police intervention. Authorities maintained that the project is scientifically designed to prevent coastal erosion and protect vulnerable settlements.
Tension was reported in South Mumbai's Cuffe Parade after residents and members of the fishing community gathered at the same location to express opposing views on a proposed sea protection bund near Machhimar Nagar. Advertisement
Residents assembled at Bay View Marine Garden to oppose the ongoing dumping of stones along the coastline. They raised concerns that the activity could gradually lead to land reclamation, altering the natural shoreline and creating the possibility of future encroachments. Members of the Cuffe Parade Residents Association stated that such patterns had been observed in the past in nearby coastal stretches, where incremental filling of land was later followed by unregulated development.
The association had earlier approached authorities with objections and suggested that alternatives such as tetrapods could be considered to control wave impact without significantly changing the coastal structure. Residents also pointed out that large quantities of stones had been brought to the site over recent weeks, which raised doubts about the scale and long-term impact of the project.
The protest saw disruption when a larger group from the adjoining Machhimar Colony entered the garden and opposed the gathering. This led to a verbal confrontation between both sides, briefly escalating the situation before police intervened to maintain order. The fishing community stated that the garden is a public space and indicated that they objected to any attempt to restrict access or portray their settlement negatively.
Fisherfolk supported the sea bund, stating that it is necessary to protect their homes from frequent tidal flooding, especially during the monsoon season. They explained that seawater often enters their settlement during high tide, causing damage to property and daily inconvenience. According to them, the proposed structure is essential for their safety and long-term security.
Residents representatives clarified that their concerns were not directed at the fishing community but were focused on environmental impact and land use. They maintained that any intervention along the coastline must be carefully evaluated to ensure that it does not lead to irreversible changes or open the door to unauthorized expansion. They also noted that the number of structures in the area has increased over time and stressed the need for clear boundaries.
The project has been approved by the Maharashtra Maritime Board to address coastal erosion along this stretch. Officials indicated that the sea wall, planned to extend around 420 metres, has been designed based on technical studies and has received necessary environmental clearances, including from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority.
Local MLA Rahul Narwekar explained that the structure is being developed following scientific assessment to prevent seawater ingress into residential areas. He conveyed that the sloping design of the bund would make it difficult for any future encroachments to take place. Authorities also indicated that any temporary access created during construction would be removed after the work is completed.
Similar concerns have been raised in other parts of Mumbai in the past, where coastal protection projects have led to debates over environmental impact, reclamation risks, and the balance between safeguarding vulnerable communities and preserving natural coastlines.
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