Mumbai News: Carter Road Food Plaza Sparks Clash Between Heritage Groups And New-Age Residents

The debate over the proposed food plaza on the Carter Road promenade is turning into a tussle between recreational facilities created for new residential localities and the livelihood rights of the area's original inhabitants—the Koli fishermen in Bandra and Khar.

Bandra residents have expressed their reservations against the plan, raising concerns that the food stalls will obstruct walking areas and spread trash. However, groups like the Mobai Gaothan Panchayat, representing Mumbai's indigenous Catholic community, and Koli associations have supported the project.

Bhavesh Vaity, a college professor who is the secretary of the Akhil Koli Samaj Va Sanskruti Samvardhan Samaj, said the food plaza was suggested as one of the livelihood projects for the local community. "There is one such facility in Mahim. The stalls will help local self-help groups. These new residential areas have come up in the last few decades while the fishermen have been here for centuries," said Vaity.

There are plans to showcase the local community's seafood-based cuisine. "My argument for the food plaza is that we Bhumiputras, the indigenous residents, have lost our identity. When we woke up, we found that everything had been taken from us. We need projects like this to keep our heritage alive" said Vicky Misquitta, who leads the Bhumiputra rights and Social Justice cell of MGP.

Those opposing the stalls said they do not want any new facilities in the area. "The promenade should always remain as a place for walking. No other activities should be allowed. The area has too many food stalls and hawkers already," said Madhu Poplai, secretary of the Pali Hills Residents Association.

Residents of other sea-facing localities are worried that the plan could be replicated in areas like Bandstand. "The project will not just affect Carter Road but also this side of Bandra. We support the Carter Road residents," said Maria D'Souza, the chairperson of Mount Mary-Kane Road advanced locality management (ALM).

The food plaza's supporters said the concern that stalls will occupy the entire promenade is unfounded. "The stalls will probably occupy 70 to 80 metres of the two-kilometer-plus-long road. It is unconstitutional if they say they have the fundamental right to oppose the project. We will say that the land belongs to us as we are the indigenous people of this area," said Vaity.

Sanjeev D'Souza, Bandra resident  H(West) municipal ward coordinator for Citizens Action for Good Governance and Networking in India (AGNI), said the local MLA Ashish Shelar has indicated that the stalls will be located at the Danda-end of the promenade. "If that is so, the walking areas will not be affected. The stalls can generate economic activity for the local community. It sounds plausible. However, the municipal corporation should not build something else and keep to the current plans," said D'Souza.Danda end.