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Weeks after a mid-day report flagged the absence of entry barriers at a stretch of Dadar beach, the area continues to see unauthorised vehicle movement, including heavy construction vehicles, in violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ-I) norms.

Heavy vehicle violation: A bus parked on the Dadar beach stretch on April 6, in violation of CRZ norms. Pic/Ashish Raje

Residents said the issue began after barricades were removed during Ganesh Chaturthi and have not been reinstalled even after so many months have passed, leaving the beach open to misuse.

Key facts

Location: Dadar beach (CRZ-I zone)
Issue: Unauthorised vehicle entry and parking
Vehicles involved: Two-wheelers, taxis, buses, cranes, concrete mixers
Cause: Barricades not reinstalled after Ganesh Chaturthi
Impact: Possible CRZ violation, sand erosion

Clear earlier: The Dadar beach stretch seen free of vehicles on Sunday afternoon during a mid-day visit

What’s happening on ground

The stretch is being used as:
>> A parking space for two-wheelers and taxis
>> A holding area for heavy vehicles such as buses, cranes and concrete mixers
>> A temporary access route for nearby construction activity
>> “Along with outside vehicles, buildings under construction near the beach also use it for cranes and trucks,” said a resident, requesting anonymity.

The other side

A resident cited roadwork as a temporary reason for keeping access open. “Barricades were not reinstalled after Ganesh Chaturthi because roadwork was underway and residents needed access through the beach. The work is almost complete now,” the resident said.

mid-day spot checks

Repeated visits by mid-day show continued violations:
April 19 (Sunday): No vehicles in the afternoon; by evening, two-wheelers and taxis entered and parked
April 13 (Monday): Trucks and concrete mixers parked on the beach in the afternoon
April 6 (Monday): Buses seen parked along the beach stretch

What residents say

Local residents’ groups said barricades are usually removed only during festivals.

Tasneem Shukul, secretary, Pandurang Naik Marg Residents ALM
“As per my recent communication with BMC G North officials, work to close at least two entry points should start on Monday.”

Vaibhav Rege, secretary, Shivaji Park ALM
“Barricades are typically removed only during festivals. At all other times, the beach should be strictly closed to vehicles. In their absence, the area is routinely encroached upon by general traffic and construction vehicles. We have raised this with Mumbai Traffic Police, but no action has followed.”

Civic response

Responding to mid-day’s query, Prashant Sapkale, deputy municipal commissioner Zone 2, stated on Sunday, “We have noted the concerns, we will examine the points that are required to be closed.”