Gorai Plunged into Darkness: Residents Demand BMC Action
For the past four months, residents of Gorai have been grappling with a pitch-dark beach every evening. The last functioning streetlights gave out two months ago, making the area completely unlit after sunset. Locals say the beach becomes inaccessible post-8 pm due to safety concerns.
“The beach used to be our favourite weekend spot for families. But now, with no lighting, it’s unsafe. If the tide comes in, someone could easily get pulled into the water,” said Rossi D’Sousa, member of the Gorai Gaothan Panchayat and a local activist. D’Sousa and several other residents have repeatedly filed complaints with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) R Central Ward, but say they’ve received no response or action.
In the absence of lighting, residents say groups have begun using the beach for drinking and smoking. “It’s the presence of these anti-social elements that makes us think twice before visiting our own beach. You never know how someone might behave,” said Alfred Ferreira, a resident and beachfront property owner.
Currently, the only source of light comes from a nearby resort. Most streetlight poles either lie broken or heavily corroded. “When infrastructure is built close to the sea, it’s obvious that salt, water, and wind will wear it down faster. Shouldn’t the BMC be more vigilant, especially for a public space like a beach?” Ferreira asked.
Residents also recall that when the lights did work, the streetlight cables were carelessly laid across beach sand. They had flagged this to the BMC, citing safety concerns, after which repairs were carried out. But now, they say they’re frustrated that four months have passed with no fresh attempt at restoration.
“We sincerely request the BMC to install proper lighting along Gorai Beach to ensure safety and comfort for both residents and visitors,” said D’Sousa. When mid-day reached out to the BMC R Central Ward’s Assistant Commissioner Sandhya Nandhekar regarding the delay of four months in getting the street lights repaired, she said, “We are in the process of fixing all the streetlight of Gorai Beach, it will take us one or two weeks to get done with the work.”
The residents of Gorai are hopeful that the BMC will follow through on its promise and restore the lighting, bringing back the safety and enjoyment they once had at their beloved beach.
