East coast revamp holds promise if...

project per se, rather the fear that it should not go the way of other such projects in the past where grandiose ideas remained on paper while what emerged was grotesque exploitation of land.

The redevelopment of mills land dereserved in Parel, Labaug and adjoining areas is too recent and too stark to overlook. What was promised here was an assembly of enclaves with open spaces, parks, cultural hubs along with residential and corporate conclaves.

The formula to be applied for mills lands was one third for sale, one for open spaces and the remaining for affordable housing, but was flouted to the hilt once redevelopment began, and spiralled out of control once land sharks and other vested interests took over.

Little attention was paid to the conveniences and wellbeing of people living/working here, even less to aesthetics. Today, Parel (and adjoining areas) is a mighty sprawl of cement and concrete, instead of the promised haven within the main city.

Without going into specifics, the redevelopment plan (as yet) of the eastern waterfront promises not just what Parel’s revamp was meant to be, but a great deal more in terms of facilities and amenities. The land to be redeveloped stretches for approximately 10 km from Colaba to Wadala, encompassing 966odd hectares, which gives the MBPT more scope naturally. Plus, the time lag since Parel’s redevelopment means newer urban planning techniques and technologies are available. Apart, of course, from it being located on a scenic coastline.

This is fantastic, but could end up becoming a chimera if the plans and blueprints run askew, as happened with Parel. Already, misgivings have arisen following the emphasis on commercial exploitation of the land that runs contrary to original vision espoused by Rani Jadhav committee that preceded the present one.

The current chairman has been at pains to explain that his agenda and plans are not a total rebuttal of the Rani Jadhav committee proposal, but will be a ‘borrow and improve’ process, keeping in mind the best interests of the city and its denizens.

All told, the eastern waterfront redevelopment project is exciting, and promises to be transformational for Mumbai, but only if what Mr Bhatia promises is carried out in letter and spirit, with improving the quality of life in Mumbai as its fundamental objective.

One is hopeful.