Mumbaikars Petition BMC to Scrap Mumbai Eye Project for Cleaner Air

Mumbaikars Petition BMC to Scrap Mumbai Eye Project for Cleaner Air

A growing number of Mumbaikars have voiced their opposition to the proposed Mumbai Eye project, urging the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to abandon plans for the giant Ferris wheel in favour of allocating the budget towards addressing pressing environmental and civic needs. The project, part of the BMC’s 2025-26 budget, aims to bring a giant Ferris wheel modelled after London’s Eye to Mumbai.

However, a significant portion of the city’s population is questioning the utility of such a venture amidst the city’s more immediate challenges. An online petition demanding the cancellation of the Mumbai Eye project and the redirection of its funds to environmental and infrastructure improvements has already garnered over 2,000 signatures. The petition, which has been addressed to the BMC Commissioner, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), emphasises the urgent need for better air quality, improved public transportation, and resolution of civic issues like potholes and waterlogging, rather than a tourist attraction that would benefit only a few.

While the Mumbai Eye project has garnered attention for its potential as a tourist destination, many citizens argue that Mumbai faces far more pressing concerns that demand immediate attention. “The city struggles with severe air pollution, overcrowded roads, inadequate public infrastructure, and recurring floods every monsoon. Yet, despite these persistent issues, the BMC is prioritising a giant Ferris wheel that will serve only a small section of the population,” stated one of the petition’s organisers. Critics have also raised concerns about the lack of public consultation and transparency regarding the project. The petition alleges that the Mumbai Eye could occupy valuable land—potentially 2 to 3 acres—without clear details on how the project would be funded or its broader environmental impact. “This project seems to be a luxury in the face of a much-needed environmental overhaul,” the petition reads.

The signatories of the petition call for the funds designated for the Mumbai Eye to be used for critical infrastructure improvements, including tackling air pollution, repairing roads, improving the public transport system, and enhancing last-mile connectivity across the city. They also demand that the BMC focus its attention on ensuring that Mumbai’s environmental issues are resolved before undertaking ambitious projects that serve only as temporary attractions. As the petition continues to gain traction, Mumbaikars are hoping that the civic body will listen to the voices of its citizens and prioritise the city’s long-term wellbeing over short-term tourist ventures.