Proposal To Remove Public Utility Reservation at Cumballa Hill Draws Objections
Moneylife Digital Team 04 March 2026
A proposal to delete the reservation for electricity transmission and distribution facilities, along with BEST bus infrastructure, at a site in Mumbai’s Malabar Hill division has drawn objections during a public hearing held by the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). During the hearing, right to information (RTI) activist Anil Galgali stated that the land falls within an area governed by the Prohibited Zone Act, 1923, and argued that any change in land use or deletion of reservations for public utilities in such areas raises legal and security concerns.
 
Mr Galgali, who participated in the hearing, also raised concerns about the proposal and its potential implications for critical public infrastructure.
 
The objections were raised during a public hearing conducted by the BMC's development plan (DP) department at the office of the chief engineer (development plan). Officials from BEST were also present during the hearing.
 
The hearing was held in response to a notice published in newspapers on 15 December 2025, regarding the proposed deletion of an existing amenity reservation (EPUS-2 + ET1.4 – Electricity Transmission and Distribution facilities along with BEST bus facilities) on plot CS No. 1B/669 of Malabar Hill division, located on SK Barodawala Marg in D Ward.
 
In Mumbai’s development plan, land parcels are often reserved for specific public utilities or infrastructure uses. Any proposal to delete or modify such reservations requires public notification and an opportunity for citizens to submit suggestions or objections.
 
According to a letter issued by the BMC’s development plan department, objections and suggestions received from citizens were being heard under the provisions of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966.
 
Mr Galgali also stated that the receiving station is not only a power infrastructure facility but also plays a role in maintaining continuity of electricity supply during emergencies such as floods, fires or other disasters. According to him, any proposal affecting the facility could delay power supply restoration during outages.
 
He further claimed that the receiving station supplies electricity to several important establishments in south Mumbai, including government offices, hospitals and other key institutions.
 
Mr Galgali also questioned the financial rationale for the proposal, stating that the electricity department currently reports a surplus and that the municipal corporation has already made substantial budgetary provisions for infrastructure. He urged authorities to reconsider the proposal and called for a comprehensive public interest assessment before any change in the use of such land is undertaken.
 
Officials at the hearing did not announce any immediate decision, as the process involves reviewing all objections and suggestions received before the planning authority makes a final determination.
 
Broader Debate on Public Land
 
Following that meeting, a white paper titled “Citizens’ Concerns Against Privatisation of Public Land” was prepared and submitted to the Maharashtra government. The document calls for greater transparency, safeguards and a unified policy governing the use of public land. A related public petition has also been launched – End the Monetisation Madness: Public Land Belongs to the People!.
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