MUMBAI, Aug. 11 -- Barely has the dust settled on the football ground reservation change controversy than Bandra residents have raised another concern: the Reclamation promenade, which has been barricaded for the last four days by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). The Bandra Reclamation Area Volunteers Organisation (BRAVO), a local residents organisation, fears that the move could eventually result in the promenade being handed over to a private party, depriving residents of a vital and extensively used open space. MSRDC told HT that the barricading was temporary and was being carried out in connection with construction and beautification works proposed by the Mumbai Slum Improvement Board under MHADA. In a recent letter to the MSRDC, the board referred to its communication dated May 11, 2026, seeking an NOC; on June 25, 2026, the MSRDC asked for a location sketch and other maps related to the proposed development. The maps and plans were subsequently submitted, following which the NOC was issued. "The promenade has been barricaded for the last four days," said Nitu Bhambri, secretary of BRAVO. "They want to construct a shed in an open space without taking locals into consideration. Nobody is answering our questions." Bhambri added that the promenade was regularly used by residents for walks and the children's play area was located there. "The open-air gymnasium on the promenade has already been dismantled," he said. Vidya Vaidya of BRAVO questioned the need for further beautification of the promenade. "This promenade does not need any more beautification. Spending more in the guise of beautification is extremely suspicious when what is actually needed are basic public facilities such as toilets at the western end of the area," she said. Another BRAVO secretary, Neela Shinde, questioned the role of the Slum Improvement Board in the project. "How is the Slum Board involved?" she asked. "It is horrifying that funds meant for the upliftment of slum dwellers are being used for 'beautification'. Besides, there seems to be a proposal to erect a shed here. If this is a CRZ area, it is unacceptable to local residents and trust members." A senior MSRDC official said the works currently underway included the construction of a covered shed as part of the "additional beautification" along the pathway. "The previous facilities on the promenade will remain," he said. "The Slum Board has proposed some beautification works, and after they are completed, the promenade will be opened to the public."...