Nariman Point Shops Illegally Block Parking Space with Stones, Flower Pots

By Anushka Singh

Mumbai’s streets continue to face the persistent menace of shopkeepers placing stones, flowerpots, and other obstructions outside their premises to block parking. This practice, a blatant violation of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) anti-encroachment laws and traffic regulations, also infringes on the public's right to walk safely.

The BMC conducts regular raids to remove these obstructions, yet the problem persists. Shopkeepers often replace the removed items within days, exposing the inefficacy of the enforcement measures. Pedestrians are frequently forced onto roads due to blocked footpaths, endangering their safety and compromising their fundamental Right to Life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

Shobha Annadata Aahaar near Express Towers, Nariman Point 'reserves' entry space by placing
flowerpots illegally on a BMC Pay and Park stretch, while the authorities look the other way

Despite judicial directives to protect public spaces, the lack of stringent deterrents and sustained enforcement undermines these efforts. Citizens, too, play a role in perpetuating this issue through inaction, while shopkeepers continue to prioritise personal convenience over public welfare.

Experts argue that stricter penalties, regular inspections, and public awareness campaigns are essential to address the issue. Without collective action, reclaiming Mumbai’s public spaces remains an uphill battle.

Shobha Annadata Aahaar Encroaches BMC Pay-and-Park

Space in Nariman Point, Authorities Remain Passive

Mumbai’s bustling Nariman Point, known for its iconic skyline and corporate hubs, is witnessing a blatant encroachment right under the nose of the authorities. Shobha Annadata Aahaar, a popular eatery near Express Towers, has allegedly 'reserved' a section of public space by placing permanent flowerpots on a designated BMC Pay-and-Park stretch. This act not only violates anti-encroachment laws but also highlights the recurring issue of private entities usurping public spaces in the city.

The flowerpots, strategically placed to block parking outside the eatery, have been creating inconvenience for motorists while impinging on the public's right to use the space as intended. Despite clear regulations that prohibit such obstructions, no significant action has been taken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to address this violation.

Residents and commuters in the area have expressed frustration over the authorities' inaction. “This is a prime location, and parking is already scarce. Such illegal encroachments not only inconvenience the public but also undermine the city's governance,” said a local motorist.

Legal experts point out that such actions breach multiple provisions of municipal laws and traffic regulations. Moreover, by obstructing public spaces, the eatery infringes on the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to walk and commute safely.

The BMC’s enforcement machinery has often been criticised for its lax approach towards such violations, with actions limited to sporadic raids and temporary removals. In most cases, encroachers reinstate the obstructions within days, knowing well that penalties, if any, are neither punitive nor deterrent.

Public spaces in a city like Mumbai, where every inch counts, are vital for maintaining urban balance. However, instances like this expose the systemic apathy and lack of accountability that allows such encroachments to persist. Authorities must act decisively, removing the obstructions and penalising offenders to prevent recurrence.

Until stringent measures are implemented and followed up with regular inspections, such violations will continue to erode the sanctity of public spaces, leaving citizens to bear the brunt of this neglect. For now, the flowerpots outside Shobha Annadata Aahaar stand as a symbol of defiance against civic norms and a glaring reminder of the city's struggle with encroachment.

Colaba residents who wish to highlight similar encroachments in public space by way of stones or pots are requested to send in photographs and/or videos of the same and details by email on thedraft@draftcraft.in

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