Versova is a lively coastal neighborhood located in the western part of Mumbai, Maharashtra. It’s known mainly for its beach, called Versova Beach, and for being home to one of the oldest fishing communities, the Koli community. The area has a mix of old traditional houses, modern apartments, and a lot of greenery compared to other crowded parts of Mumbai.
Versova is also famous for its seafood, local fish markets, and its slightly relaxed vibe compared to the busy city life. Over the years, it has become popular among artists, actors, and young people because of its creative atmosphere and proximity to places like Andheri and Juhu. People usually recognize Versova for its beach, small cafés, art spaces, and peaceful lanes. It’s a place where you’ll find a mix of tradition and modern life living side by side.
When we first hear the word Versova, we imagine a dreamland right as we say above where Mumbai’s strugglers find hope the beach, the breeze, the "artist vibe."But behind the fancy filters and pretty words lies a different Versova one that every newcomer must see with open eyes.
The Real Versova Village — A Mess in the Making
Versova Village, once a peaceful home of the Koli community, is now struggling under the burden of migration, poor planning, and sheer carelessness.
As more people moved in, hoping for a better life, the village began to lose its soul.
Lanes that once breathed fresh air are now filled with garbage, blocked drains, and broken paths.
When rains hit Mumbai, these narrow, badly organized galis turn into miniature nallas (drains) filthy, flooded, and dangerous.
People throw garbage directly into the river, without a second thought. The river, once a life source, now stinks like hell, filled with plastic, waste, and human excretions.
Some even shamelessly use the river for open defecation and urination, poisoning the air and creating serious health risks for everyone around.
Open Drinking — A Disturbing Normal
We respect every festival and every community’s celebrations. But in Versova, drinking openly on the streets has become a disturbing sight, not just during festivals, but regularly.
People drink in public, block pathways, create noise, and cause serious inconvenience to others, including women, senior citizens, and children.
Important to know:
Drinking alcohol openly in public spaces is illegal under Section 268 IPC (Public Nuisance) and local Excise Acts.
Public drinking can invite fines or even jail time — but sadly, nobody enforces these rules strictly here.
Blocking of Village Entry — Who Gave the Right to people?
Another major issue is how certain groups block the internal entries and lanes of Versova Village, especially during gatherings or festivals.
This causes huge traffic problems, stopping residents and visitors from reaching their homes on time.
Emergency services like ambulances or fire trucks would struggle to get through — a serious danger everyone is ignoring.
Music All Night — Breaking Noise Pollution Laws
Throughout the night, loudspeakers and DJs blast music without any concern for government rules.
According to Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, no loud music is allowed after 10 PM — yet in Versova, the rules are treated like jokes. Senior citizens, students, sick people, and regular families suffer sleepless nights because of this unchecked noise.
Migration and Unauthorized Construction
A large number of migrant artists and workers have shifted into the village, which itself is fine Mumbai welcomes dreamers.
But the sudden, unmanaged population rise has led to builders constructing unauthorized buildings, often on government or coastal regulation land, without following any construction rules or safety guidelines.
No proper planning, no permissions, no maintenance, some of these buildings are so old and unsafe, they could collapse anytime, putting lives at risk.
And who will be blamed then?
Everyone will pretend they didn’t see it coming even though it’s happening right in front of our eyes.
What Needs to Change?
Versova can be beautiful again — but only if:
- Strict action is taken against public drinking and illegal gatherings.
- Loud music after 10 PM is completely banned and penalized.
- Unauthorized constructions are demolished, and new rules are made stricter.
- Proper garbage management and river cleaning projects are implemented.
- Locals and migrants both respect the basic rights of others.
A Message to All Strugglers and Artists
We understand that you come to Versova full of dreams and hope and we respect that.
But struggling in dirt, filth, and broken rules is not the right struggle.
Raise your voice, complain against the filth, demand cleanliness, better facilities, and stricter law enforcement.
Everyone deserves a clean, peaceful life including you, Struggling in dirt is not real struggle.
Raise your voice! File complaints and Report! Demand a better Versova!
#cleanversova
.webp)
0 Comments