Crying need: Maharashtra defends Colaba jetty project amid residents' protests

The Maharashtra Advocate General Dr Birendra Saraf told the Bombay High Court on Monday that a jetty at Colaba in South Mumbai has been a "crying need for the last 25 years", pushing back against residents opposing the project on environmental and heritage grounds.

Saraf made these submissions before a bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne, which was hearing two writ petitions filed by the Clean and Heritage Colaba Residents Association (CHCRA) and a resident, Laura D'Souza. The petitions challenged the state government's decision to build a new jetty near the Radio Club, adjacent to the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

Local residents have staged protests under the banner "Shift Jetty, Save Colaba", arguing that the proposed jetty poses a threat to the area's fragile marine ecology and historic promenade.

Representing the Maharashtra Maritime Board, Saraf countered that the government has been attempting to expand water transport infrastructure for over two decades to ease congestion in the city. He said the petitions stem from a "not in my backyard" approach.

"It is not for a citizen to decide. It is a policy decision and cannot be intervened upon. This entire petition is based on the perception of the petitioners, not the large number of travellers," Saraf told the court.

Furthermore, he stressed that multiple studies had identified Colaba as the only viable site for the new all-weather jetty. "You cannot have it at any other place but this, as there is a requirement for people to travel," he said, adding that all relevant government departments have reviewed the plan and granted the necessary clearances.

Saraf argued that the existing five jetties at the Gateway of India are inadequate for the heavy commuter traffic from Mandwa, Alibag and nearby coastal towns. One jetty is reserved exclusively for the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, putting additional pressure on the remaining four.

"There is a need to maintain the sanctity of the heritage structure, the Gateway. Moreover, with large crowds in the area, security is a concern," Saraf submitted.

Addressing residents' fears of rock blasting during construction, Saraf assured the court that no such blasting would be carried out, citing modern techniques and an IIT Bombay report that ruled out harmful vibrations to nearby sea-facing buildings from hydraulic piling rigs.

He noted that residents had raised objections during the groundbreaking ceremony but continued to insist that the jetty be relocated. Saraf is expected to continue his submissions, particularly on the issue of government policy decisions, when the matter is heard next today.

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