NGO NAGAR has urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to reconsider its plan to allow hoardings along the open spaces facing the Coastal Road, which runs from Marine Drive to Worli. Although the BMC has assured that no hoardings will be placed on reclaimed land, the proposal includes setting up hoardings in open areas that existed before the construction of the Coastal Road.

In a letter to the BMC, the NGO cited the latest Draft Policy Guidelines for Display of Outdoor Advertisement 2024, which clearly states, "No hoardings shall be permitted in the compulsory open spaces required to be maintained under the Development Control Regulations of Greater Mumbai (DCR), including public recreation grounds, playgrounds, parks, and gardens."

The letter specifically highlights that the proposed hoardings are planned for Tata Garden and Haji Ali Garden, both of which are designated as Existing Open Spaces in the city's Development Plan. The NGO argues that these public amenities should not be exploited for commercial purposes.

"The coastal road area is intended to serve as a green public space, free from commercial activities. The installation of hoardings not only violates the guidelines but also undermines the vision of sustainable, environmentally friendly spaces for the community. We strongly urge the BMC to reconsider this decision, which threatens the open spaces, safety, and ecology of our city," stated trustees Nayana Kathpalia and Meher Rafat in the letter. (TOI)