Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will soon provide a Rs 1.39 crore facelift to Mahim beach, in a bid to attract visitors. According to Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, additional municipal commissioner (projects), the beach beautification work will be carried out in two phases. A 3-D video on the project will be shown to BMC councillors when the proposal will be tabled before them.
The project is part of the existing beach beautification programme undertaken by the BMC, in which all beaches of Mumbai, except Girgaum Chowpatty, have been illuminated. Colourful LEDs have been installed to ensure the safety of people, especially during night in the initial part of the programme. Dr Mukherjee, told The Free Press Journal the proposed design of the Mahim beach beautification will be a fusion of Koli community, culture and tradition. A traditionally-built historical fort and the vibrant Koli culture will be on display for visitors.
As part of the project, a retaining wall with the same black stone masonry as the fort and a deck from where people can enjoy the seaface will be built. A beautifully coloured boat will be on display at the beach to tell people about the Kolis’ traditional fishing activities. Also, the existing sheds where Koli residents repair their boats and fishing nets will be refurbished for the benefit of curious visitors.
The proposed project designs have been finalised and tenders have been floated. Mukherjee said, “Bids are invited and the last day is August 28, 2018. So it should reach the standing committee for final approval by September. Once approvals are done, we hope to start work after the monsoon.” “Furthermore, the entire project is a cost-effective solution,” he added. It means the money spent on beautification, can be recovered in a few years by providing facilities and earning income from tourists by providing pay and parking facilities, eatery stalls, exhibition centres, that can be rented out.
The idea of the project is to provide clean, open space to celebrate festivals on the beachfront.
Phase-I entails:
1. Cleaning near Koliwada.
2. Repair and reconstruction of existing concrete pathway
3. Light poles for public safety
4. Provision of gym equipment and children’s play area
5. Provision of benches and sit-outs for the public. Palm trees, flower beds, and sit-outs are proposed to attract people from all age groups
6. Restructuring old boats for display
7. Provision of toilets
8. Landscaping
9. Renovation of existing shed and watchtower
10. General facelift
Following work are included in Phase-II:
1.existing bamboo stacks replaced by Pay and park for the public.
2.repair and reconstruction of existing retaining wall.
3. Provision of light poles for the safety of the public.
4.provision of the landscape to add to the beauty.