MUMBAI: With SC allowing only up to 15% of the Coastal Road open spaces to be used for ticketed recreational facilities and access-controlled areas, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has resubmitted to BMC a revised master plan and concept design for the open spaces, proposing a network of gardens and recreational facilities across the reclaimed stretch from Nepeansea Road to Worli.The earlier plan had 19% of the area under ticketed recreational facilities.Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has resubmitted to the BMC a revised master plan and concept design for the Coastal Road open spaces, proposing a network of gardens and recreational facilities across the reclaimed stretch from Nepeansea Road to Worli.The revised plan includes an observation deck, a native tree museum, a scenic overlook towards Haji Ali Dargah, an event lawn at Worli, three cultural gathering spaces, two pet parks, including a dog off-leash area, an F&B destination, and six planning zones: Zone 1 (Nepeansea Road), Zone 2 (Breach Candy), Zone 3 (Mahalaxmi Temple), Zone 4 (Haji Ali and Racecourse), Zone 5 (Worli South) and Zone 6 (Worli North).The revision follows a Supreme Court clarification issued in June allowing up to 15% of the Coastal Road open spaces to be used for ticketed recreational facilities and access-controlled areas, while mandating that the remaining 85% remain freely accessible to the public.Civic officials found that 19% of the area proposed in the earlier plan fell under ticketed recreational facilities and asked RIL to bring it down to the court-mandated 15%, necessitating the revised submission, made on July 17.A BMC official said, “Our officials are scrutinising the revised plans submitted by RIL over a week ago. The plan submitted previously required a few changes and hence we suggested that a revised plan be submitted.”The revised master plan has drawn opposition from residents of Breach Candy and adjoining areas. Managing committee members of over 30 housing societies have written to the BMC chief objecting to the proposed access points from Breach Candy and seeking a wider green buffer along the residential neighbourhood.“The revised master plan shows multiple entry points from Breach Candy along with ticket counters. There is very little green buffer and more attractions in what is essentially a residential zone. We believe these matters deserve careful consideration before irreversible planning decisions are made. We therefore request a written response and an opportunity for resident representatives to engage with the planning team before the master plan is approved,” said a resident, alleging that many trees at the nursery set up in Worli as part of the plantation drive on the reclaimed open spaces had dried up.
