Mumbai: BMC Halts Pali Hill Road Concretization After Resident Protests

Mumbai, 15th February 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has put its plan to concretize Auxilium Convent Road in Pali Hill on hold, following strong opposition from residents who mobilized to prevent civic authorities from proceeding with the work.

After residents presented multiple reasons against concretization, municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani directed civic officials to listen to their concerns and inspect the road before making a final decision, as stated in a press release issued on Friday.

Regarding similar appeals from citizens across Mumbai to keep roads in their existing state, Gagrani told HT, “Each case will be evaluated individually based on the number of residents opposing the concretization and the current condition of the road. There won’t be a blanket ruling, but requests will be taken into consideration.”

On February 2, the Pali Hill Residents Association (PHRA) submitted a letter to Gagrani, arguing that Auxilium Convent Road remains in good condition since it was built just five years ago. PHRA secretary Madhu Poplai, former corporator Asif Zakaria, and other residents then met with officials from the BMC’s roads department, successfully halting the project.

“This is a small dead-end road primarily used by local residents,” said Gaurav Punj, a Pali Hill resident. “Mature trees line both sides, and their roots could be harmed during concretization. Additionally, a girls’ primary school is located at the end of the road, and many senior citizens live in the area, making dust pollution a concern. With an upcoming redevelopment project, we fear that concreting the road could obstruct emergency vehicle access. Hopefully, the road will remain as it is,” he added.

Previously, residents of Mount Mary Road and Kane Road in Bandra West had also opposed road concretization. Similarly, in South Mumbai, Colaba residents, along with former corporator Makarand Narwekar, objected to the concretization of four well-maintained roads—Henry Marg, Tullak Marg, Garden Road, and Walton Road. The Marine Drive Residents Association (MDRA) had also raised concerns regarding D Road.