With a combined area of around 25,000 sq mt, the fort has two adjoining plots which BMC plans to utilise to attract tourists
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) budget for 2017-18 has put a thrust on beautifying gardens, playgrounds, beaches and forts. The budget has proposed Rs 3 crore for beautifying Bandra Talao and Rs 1 crore for the Bandra Fort, located near Taj Lands End. The objective is not only to restore the sea fort, but also develop the area as an important tourist destination in Mumbai.
The Bandra Fort beautification project includes the plantation of beech trees, a promenade designed in the form of waves, a cycling track connecting the fort and Bandra-Worli Sea link, precinct illumination, amphitheatre renovation, a butterfly park, children's play area, activities for senior citizens, refurbishment of the existing temple and a sitting area.
The fort has two adjoining plots, owned by the BMC, with a combined area of around 25,000 sq mt. The civic body plans to utilise the plots to attract tourists. The project was conceptualised and championed by local BJP MLA Ashish Shelar. "Shelar wrote to us (H-West ward of BMC) proposing a plan to beautify the fort. The civic body also showed interest in developing the fort," said a senior civic official.
Sharad Ughade, Assistant Municipal Commissioner of H/West Ward, said, "We are happy that the Municipal Commissioner has made a provision for the fort in the budget. The allocation of funds will speed up the project. After the planned beautification, the fort will become a tourist destination. It is important to preserve this historic landmark," he added.
The image shows the area around the fort as it is, and an artist’s impression of it after the renovation.
The Bandra Fort has two adjoining plots where the new projects will take shape. One of the plots, which measures 10,000 sq mt, is already developed and maintained by the Bandra Bandstand Residents Trust, which the BMC will take back. The other plot is 15,000 sq mt, and has around 40 hutments. Taking back the plot, removing encroachments and making detailed estimates for the project are just some of the initiatives that will be undertaken by the civic body in the first phase. The BMC also needs the requisite permission for any activity within the Coastal Regulatory Zone, as well as permissions from the Maritime Board and Department Of Archaeology.
"After the initial procedures, tenders will be floated in July," said a civic official. Speaking about the project, Shelar said, "It is an aesthetic space which was ignored by the BMC. I had meetings with the Municipal Commissioner, and with help of the civic staff, residents and students, we put forward the idea of developing it into Bandra by the Bay."
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