MMB Issues Show-Cause Notice To Bandra Bandstand Trust Over Unauthorised Corporate Tie-Ups

The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has issued a show-cause notice to the Bandra Bandstand Residents Trust (BBRT), threatening to revoke its 24-year-old no-objection certificate over allegations of unauthorised corporate tie-ups and restricted public access to the 1.1km promenade. The notice, issued on September 11 following Port Development Minister Nitesh Rane's approval, followed mounting public complaints and an internal inquiry.

The MMB cited BBRT's undisclosed partnerships with pharmaceutical firm USV Pvt Ltd and the Arvind Vithal Gandhi Foundation for promenade maintenance, conducted without mandatory prior permission or work orders from the maritime board. BBRT claimed it acted as a caretaker for over 25 years, but MMB found no official records authorising third-party operations on state property. The action also stems from BBRT's failure to produce financial statements despite repeated official demands.