Jetty critical infra for public: MMB

Board files affidavit at HC refuting petition filed by Colaba residents' association opposing the project

- Linah Baliga

MUMBAI: Marking a fresh inflection in the tug-of-war between residents of Colaba and the state government over the latter's intent to develop a new passenger jetty and terminal between the Radio Club and Gateway of India, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has filed an affidavit in the Bombay high court (HC) opposing a petition filed by the Clean and Heritage Colaba Residents' Association (CHCRA) on April 28, opposing the construction of the jetty.

The move comes nearly 10 days after the Supreme Court directed HC to hear the matter of the ₹299-crore project "expeditiously and adjudicate all issues raised", as reported by HT on May 30.

MMB filed the affidavit on Saturday, in which it argued that the association was seeking to stall a "critical public infrastructure project" under the guise of opposing permissions granted for its execution, and that in doing so it was prioritising its personal inconvenience over public interest.