Mumbai, May 14 -- Despite strong opposition from citizens and civic groups, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has opened a seafood plaza at Carter Road promenade, citing cultural promotion of the indigenous koli (fisher) community. The food plaza, launched on May 2, will feature seafood stalls managed by koli women self-help groups and will be open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. According to BMC officials, the initiative aims to preserve and promote the traditional coastal culture of Mumbai's original inhabitants-the kolis. However, several resident groups have raised concerns about the food plaza's legality and its impact on the environment and public safety. The Impact Group, a coalition of citizens from the Bandra-Khar-Santacruz areas, alleged that the plaza was established in violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms. The group claimed the project proceeded despite repeated objections from local residents, who view the development as an encroachment on public recreational space. The group also accused the BMC of allowing illegal cooking practices at the site, including the use of gas cylinders and open flames, which they claimed are prohibited in public areas as per civic guidelines. "Is the BMC actively promoting illegality?" said a spokesperson of the Impact Group, pointing to increasing litter and unmanaged waste along the promenade. Dinesh Pallawad, assistant commissioner of the BMC's H West ward, defended the initiative. "We have allowed koli women to operate only thrice a week. There are no cooking arrangements on-site. Food is prepared off-site and sold at the stalls. We've taken into account citizen concerns and have deployed staff to ensure cleanliness and prevent littering. Alcohol is not permitted, and conditions have been laid down to regulate the operation," he said. However, the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has taken cognisance of the residents' complaints. On May 13, the authority directed the Mumbai suburban collector to verify whether the food plaza complies with CRZ regulations and past court orders. The MCZMA has requested a detailed report within 15 days....