For the past four months, residents of Gorai have been grappling with a pitch-dark beach every evening. The last functioning streetlights gave out two months ago, making the area completely unlit after sunset. Locals say the beach becomes inaccessible post-8 pm due to safety concerns.

“The beach used to be our favourite weekend spot for families. But now, with no lighting, it’s unsafe. If the tide comes in, someone could easily get pulled into the water,” said Rossi D’Sousa, member of the Gorai Gaothan Panchayat and a local activist. D’Sousa and several other residents have repeatedly filed complaints with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) R Central Ward, but say they’ve received no response or action.

In the absence of lighting, residents say groups have begun using the beach for drinking and smoking. “It’s the presence of these anti-social elements that makes us think twice before visiting our own beach. You never know how someone might behave,” said Alfred Ferreira, a resident and beachfront property owner.