Finally free from farms and encroachments! Community action breathes new life into Andheri Beach

A run-down stretch of beach, hidden beneath rubble and plagued by encroachments, has been restored to its former beauty - thanks to the efforts of local citizens and an MLA. This 1.5-km stretch of sand, starting at Ganesh Visarjan Lane in Andheri West and ending at Juhu Beach’s border, is no longer a hidden gem!

According to locals, the main issue was illegal methi farming, where producers dug wells for sweet water, cultivated the crop, and built shelters for workers. This led to the spread of hutments and related activities.

For over a decade, the community worked relentlessly to reclaim the beach. It took them 10 years of persistent follow-ups with BMC and police, leading to the removal of over 150 illegal shanties and methi farms. Now, Mumbai has a new beach, separated from Juhu Beach only by a small creek.

Moreover, plans are underway to transform the area into a tourist destination, with features such as gobo lighting and floor projections, similar to Siloso Beach in Singapore. Currently, the biggest challenge remains preventing fresh encroachments, and the beach is under close surveillance to safeguard its future.