Retaining wall collapse raises Safety Concerns
Local residents have raised serious safety concerns following a retaining wall collapse behind Bharat Lodge, near Loyalka Compound, Chowpatty Bandstand in July of 2024. Local corporator Sunny Sanap visited the site along with ofcials from multiple BMC departments after complaints were raised by residents.
The collapse has exposed the area to potential risks, including soil instability and danger to residents and pedestrians, particularly with the approaching monsoon. Despite repeated follow-ups, residents state that preventive action was not taken in time, leading to the current situation. Speaking to The Voice of Malabar Hills, James Skaria Thyparambil, representing affected tenants, said “This was an incident waiting to happen. The condition of the retaining wall had been brought to the authorities’ attention multiple times, but no timely action was taken.” Residents have now demanded immediate structural assessment, urgent repair and reinforcement, clear time lines for action. Authorities have reportedly assured action, residents are awaiting visible & timebound repairs on the ground.
Interaction with local residents about various civic issues – Sunny Sanap and few local residents had a excellent meeting at the Hanging Garden, 2nd Innings enclosure. Residents complained about increased VIP and political traffic in the neighbourhood, as well as numerous banners and posters that created an unpleasant atmosphere. Pedestrian safety problems on all roads, including the terrible loss of senior citizen Late Mrs Shah. Residents want more traffic police presence around roads and junctions, highlighting the risky U-turn by buses at Hanging Garden. A senior citizen entered the meeting to express concern that the new Nature Trail Walkway lacks sufficient restroom facilities for tourists, which should be addressed.
Residents requested improved amenities for what was once Naaz Café; it would be great if BMC could create a similar facility at the viewing gallery. Residents raised the point that the road width from Raj Bhawan to Teenbatti had been modified in BMC records, which is a matter of concern. Residents voiced concern about enormous constructions of buildings and that are being built without any emphasis or respect for infrastructure, which will increase with rapid growth in local population after the buildings are built. They also asked for a independent environmental impact assessment. Residents said redevelopment and bad tree ‘maintenance’ are the primary causes of tree cover destruction. Residents asked the Corporator to use proper trimming practices and to help ensure that no trees be felled during the reconstruction process as we are one of the few green lung spaces remaining in a city’s concrete jungle. Mr. Sanap has committed to hold a meeting with various BMC departments to discuss the grievances in a more constructive manner and put the recommendations into action. Sanap listened intently and discussed some of BMC’s initiatives. Mr. Sanap mentioned that he desired to have a public swimming pool and asked for suggestions for it’s location. It was an extremely effective and wide-ranging conversation, amicable and beneficial, and hopeful for a brighter, cleaner, safer, and more habitable Malabar Hill.
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