Nitesh Rane Denies Push for Commercial Use of Mumbai Coastal Road Land After Backlash
Amid public and political protests, Rane clarified his proposal was for a revenue-sharing model, not a land transfer, as activists and opposition leaders demand preservation of public spaces.
- Nitesh Rane faced criticism for suggesting the Maharashtra Maritime Board manage reclaimed land from the Mumbai Coastal Road Project for potential commercial use.
- Environmental activists and opposition leaders argued that the land was promised as public open space and is legally protected from commercial development by MoEF and Supreme Court guidelines.
- Rane clarified that his proposal was misinterpreted, stating he only suggested a revenue-sharing model for activities like advertisements or events, not a transfer of land.
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reserved 70 hectares of the reclaimed land as open space for public use, aligning with prior government assurances.
- Opposition figures, including Aaditya Thackeray and Varsha Gaikwad, continue to demand the land be preserved as green zones, accusing the government of betraying public trust.
Free Press Journal 
Hindustan Times 