Visitors denied use of telescopes on Malabar Hill

MUMBAI: A fortnight after a 4,000 sqft viewing gallery, which offers a panoramic view of Marine Drive, was opened at Malabar Hill, people are not being allowed to use the two binoculars and two telescopes installed there as the BMC does not have enough staff to provide assistance. Civic officials said the BMC is considering levying a nominal charge for using the equipment while visiting the gallery would continue to remain free.

The gallery, named Pramod Nawalkar Viewing Gallery and located next to Kamala Nehru Park, was inaugurated on October 10. It is 279m above sea level. The deck can accommodate 150 people at a time and is disabled-friendly.

The binoculars and telescopes have been wrapped in up and kept out of public reach, said a visitor. A civic official said, "We will deploy staff to assist people in using the binoculars and telescopes. There is a coin that needs to be put into the equipment for closer view." If people are charged, they will use the equipment with caution and only those genuinely interested will use it, he added.

"When a coin is put in telescope or binocular, people can get a close view for one minute and 30 seconds. The equipment shuts on its own after that duration," said the official.

Malabar Hill activist Indrani Malkani said, "If the administration is considering to levying a charge, then guides should also be in place so that people can be told how to use the telescopes and binoculars. Instructions should be put up."

Earlier, the iconic Cafe Naaz used to operate in the space where the viewing gallery has now been constructed by the civic body at a cost of Rs 8 crore.