The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has temporarily suspended the concreting of Auxilium Convent Lane in Bandra’s Pali Hill area following strong opposition from local residents. The decision came after residents raised concerns about environmental impact, accessibility issues, and potential disruptions to daily life. Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani has directed officials to review these objections before proceeding with the project.
Residents of Auxilium Convent Lane have expressed their concerns through a formal petition. According to the petition, the road is currently in good condition. It is a small, narrow lane with limited traffic. Additionally, the road is lined with fully grown trees that could be damaged during the concreting process. The petition also highlights that there is a girls’ primary school at the end of the lane, and ongoing roadwork may cause difficulties for students commuting to and from school.
Furthermore, a significant number of senior citizens reside in buildings along this road, and they may face health issues due to dust generated by the construction work. A redevelopment project for one of the buildings on this lane is set to begin soon, which would add to the inconveniences faced by local residents. The petition also raises concerns about emergencies, such as fires or medical emergencies, where access may become severely restricted due to the roadwork.
Taking these concerns into account, Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has put the proposed concreting work on hold. He has also directed the road department to consider the residents’ grievances, analyze the situation, and take an appropriate decision accordingly.