Mumbai: MMB Issues Show Cause Notice To BBRT Seeking Cancellation Of Bandra Bandstand's Maintenance Rights Over Corporate Tie-Ups & Self-Imposed Arbitrary Rules Allegations

The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has issued a show-cause notice to the Bandra Bandstand Residents Trust (BBRT) in Mumbai, threatening to cancel their 24-year-old no-objection certificate (NOC) due to alleged unauthorized corporate partnerships and restrictive measures on public access to the 1.1km promenade. The allegations came to light after an internal inquiry by the Bandra Port group's regional port officer.

The BBRT has been accused of unauthorised corporate tie-ups with pharmaceutical firm USV Pvt Ltd and the Arvind Vithal Gandhi Foundation, as well as restricting public access to the promenade through arbitrary rules. The BBRT's corporate partnership with USV Pvt Ltd and the Arvind Vithal Gandhi Foundation without prior permission or work orders from the MMB are at the center of the maritime board's concerns.

The BBRT has been maintaining the promenade for over 25 years, but the MMB has denied any official records or permissions supporting these activities. Public access restrictions have been a major point of contention, with the BBRT allegedly limiting the use of the promenade by residents, pet owners, and underprivileged children through private security personnel enforcement.

The MMB is seeking satisfactory explanations and financial records from the BBRT by September 21, before a personal hearing scheduled for the following day.