MUMBAI: Three senior residents from Andheri have filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court, urging for an undersea version of the Versova-Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) to protect their beachfront yoga and aerobic sessions at Juhu beach. They argue that an elevated bridge would not only ruin their view but also increase air pollution.
The petitioners, who are regulars at Juhu beach for morning yoga and walks, voiced concerns about the environmental impact of the project. “We practice yoga here every day with many others who come for fresh air and a peaceful walk. A sea bridge would spoil the view and pollute the air,” said Himanshu Mehta, one of the petitioners.
The PIL, which is yet to be heard, calls for an underwater tunnel, referencing the original plans proposed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the project’s nodal agency. According to information obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) request, five initial routes for the sea link were considered, including a coastal road with a tunnel at Juhu, an elevated bridge, and a combination of both land-based and sea-based routes.
“We never received details through RTI on the pros and cons of these routes or why the current design was selected,” said Ummed Nahata, another petitioner.
The 17.17-km Versova-Bandra Sea Link is part of Mumbai’s Coastal Road project, intended to eventually connect Marine Drive to Kandivali. The sea link will connect the Bandra end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link to Versova, with interchanges at Carter Road and Juhu.
According to an MSRDC official, 28% of the work has been completed. “The project has been in the works since 2011, and after sorting out various issues, we finally have all necessary clearances,” he said.
When asked whether MSRDC would reconsider the design for the sake of a few yoga enthusiasts, the official was firm. “The project started as an elevated structure from Bandra. Changing it to a tunnel at this stage would be nearly impossible, especially considering the hard rock strata at Juhu. It would also significantly increase costs,” he explained. “Additionally, the sea link will be enhanced with lighting and facades for aesthetic appeal.”
The PIL is still awaiting its day in court, and it remains unclear if the residents’ concerns will lead to any significant changes in the sea link’s design.
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