Encroachments eroding Chembur's civic fabric

Citizens seek action; roads have become hotbeds for unauthorised slums, unlicensed garages, causing disruption

- Rucha Kanolkar

The residents of Pestom Sagar and adjoining areas in Chembur have raised their voices against rampant encroachment and illegal activities on the roads leading to the bridge connecting Pestom Sagar with Garodia Nagar, Ghatkopar. Roads two and six have become hotbeds for unauthorised slums, unlicensed garages, and informal garbage segregation businesses, causing severe disruption to traffic and public safety. The bridge itself, a key connector, has fallen into disrepair.

Mohini Thackeray, chairperson of the Pestom Sagar Citizens Forum, has led multiple complaints about the unregulated activities but to no avail. She expressed the growing distrust between law-abiding residents and the authorities, stating, "Innumerable complaints have fallen on deaf ears. As long as the authorities permit such activities, residents will continue to be suspicious of their intentions."