Mumbai: The controversial Siri Road widening project at Malabar Hill, which proposes using part of Kamala Nehru Park’s reserved land, will come up for consideration at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) general body meeting on October 23.

The proposal seeks to open the existing 535-metre stretch of Chiranjilal Loyalka Marg, popularly known as Siri Road, between Kamala Nehru Park on BG Kher Marg and Tambe Chowk to light four-wheelers.

Civic officials have argued that widening the road would ease congestion on Walkeshwar Road, Teen Batti and BG Kher Road, while reducing travel time and fuel consumption.

However, the BMC’s Improvement Committee had recommended shelving the project in December 2015, citing the need to protect the historic park, the absence of traffic congestion and the potential impact on trees and water pipelines supplying South Mumbai. It had also called for a geological survey.

The proposed alignment requires 2,540.55 square metres of recreational land. An estimated 72 trees could be affected, including 48 marked for felling and 24 for transplantation. Part of the park’s boundary wall would also need to be demolished, while shops near Tambe Chowk could be affected.

The proposal has drawn opposition from local residents. Resident Sanjay Shirke urged authorities to preserve the area’s forest-like character, recalling an earlier Chipko-style protest that halted the project and was followed by the development of a nature trail.

Originally moved by the municipal commissioner in October 2015, the project was presented as a measure to improve connectivity. It remains subject to relevant coastal zone, heritage conservation and tree authority approvals. The October 23 meeting will determine the proposal’s next steps.