Supreme Court on Mumbai Jetty Project: “We All Want Sewage Plants, But Not Near My House”

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The Supreme Court, while hearing objections to the Mumbai jetty project near the Gateway of India, remarked, “We all want sewage plants, but not near my house,” highlighting public resistance to necessary infrastructure near residential areas.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court declined to stay the construction of a passenger jetty and terminal facilities near the Gateway of India in Mumbai, stating that “something good is happening in the city.”

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai dismissed the petition challenging the Bombay High Court’s May 7 order, which also rejected a stay on the construction, emphasizing that the Rs.229-crore project serves the public interest.

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Highlighting the advantages of the coastal road from Marine Drive to Worli along Mumbai’s coastline, Chief Justice Gavai noted that travel time to south Mumbai has been reduced from three hours to just 40 minutes.

He added,

“Everyone wants sewage plants, but not near their house.”

The Supreme Court directed the high court, which is set to reconsider the petition on June 20, to expedite the hearing process.

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The petitioners informed the Supreme Court that the project began without prior public notification, consultation, or engagement with local stakeholders.

They argued that the proposed jetty and terminal would affect over 200,000 residents in the Colaba area.

Located near the Radio Club, approximately 500 meters from the Gateway of India, the project aims to reroute all boat traffic from the iconic monument, alleviating congestion and upgrading existing facilities.

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The new jetty is designed to accommodate up to 20 boats simultaneously, facilitating smoother operations.

Additionally, the terminal building will feature a 350-person capacity amphitheater, a berthing jetty, an approach jetty, a fire safety system, and CCTVs, along with landscaping and beautification efforts.

The project is expected to be completed within two years.

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