Alibag locals protest unplanned devpt

A citizens' movement is unfolding in Alibag, with its original inhabitants and affluent settlers teaming up to ensure that the village's tranquillity remains undisturbed, in the face of rampant development, which they fear will turn it into a concrete jungle, putting a strain on its already inadequate infrastructure.

- G Mohiuddin Jeddy

ALIBAG:

Alibag has been a favoured spot among wealthy Mumbaikars who have chosen to build expansive second homes here for decades; while some choose to unwind in luxury, over the years others have chosen to relocate, breaking away from the bustle of Mumbai. The idyll is likely to be disturbed now, as thanks to improved connectivity it has captured the interest of real estate barons.

Pinakin Patel, an architect who moved to the village in 1999 with his employees, choosing a better quality of life, is leading the movement "for an intelligent development of Alibag". Along with the NGO Vidyasan Education Foundation, he has formed a WhatsApp group, launched a website AlibagOptimists.in and initiated a series of meetings, across demographic.