Locals, MLA oppose AAI’s plan for eateries at Juhu parking lot

MUMBAI: For once, citizens and the local MLA are on the same side opposing the use of a portion of a parking lot in Juhu for the construction of a restaurant-cum-hangout space.
The parking lot on Juhu Tara Road is on land owned by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which wants to set up facilities like eateries and toilets “for visitors and the public” who come in large numbers to Juhu beach.
The parking lot is an outcome of citizens’ struggle to save Juhu beach from encroachments, said local activists. A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Bombay high court and two parking lots were developed as part of the Juhu Beach Redevelopment plan.
Backing the residents, BJP MLA Ameet Satam sought cancellation of the permission for the restaurantcum-hangout space in the AAI parking lot.
In a letter to BMC commissioner Iqbal Chahal and AAI joint director Ashok Verma, Satam said that the parking lot was developedunder the Juhu Beach Redevelopment Plan after a PIL was filed in the HC, and the reservation in the Development Plan (DP) for the plot is that of a parking lot. “Granting permission to set up a restaurant/café on a parking lot reservation is a violation of the DP reservation and will set a wrong precedent across the city,” he said.
P K Das, architect and activist, noticed asbestos sheets being put around the parking lot and enquired withthe AAI as to what was happening on the plot. In reply, Shailendra Chaudhary, AAI senior manager, Juhu airport, said the plan was in line with the true spirit of the HC order. “Facilities like eating houses and toilets are basic amenities for visitors/public, in line with the HC order. The AAI has the commercial policy to generate revenue by exploring several commercial activities through open tender. In this case, only 2. 5% of the existing car par-king area has been considered for restaurant facilities. The main purpose of the car park has not been disturbed,” Chaudhary said.
But Das pointed out that allowing restaurants in the parking lot would open a Pandora’s box. He further said that the Juhu Beach Redevelopment Plan was accepted both by the Supreme Court and the HC and nowhere does the HC order state or permit facilities like eating houses and toilets on plots meant for parking.
Ashoke Pandit, founder of Save Open Spaces, pointed out that the entire road is choc-a-bloc with restaurants and eateries. “Parking problems are acute across the city and land should not be taken away for things which already are available in large numbers. There is a need for a dedicated parking lot in this area and we shall fight to preserve it,” he said.
Ashok Verma, director of Juhu Airport, said, “It [eating houses] is planned for public/visitors/tourists’ better experience and increasing AAI revenue. The other related issues are being examined. ”