Gateway of India revamp put on hold yet again

The beautification work near Gateway of India was put on hold after standing committee members of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) raised questions on the lack of maintenance in the previous beautification that was carried out. Now, the standing committee members will pay a fresh visit to check the status of previous works before approving new work.

Makrand Narvekar, BJP corporator from Colaba raised the issue of poor maintenance of footpaths and public toilets near the Gateway of India. He attacked the civic administration for failing to maintain previous works while showing promptness in introducing new proposals.

Narvekar recalled a survey that was carried out by the BMC in April 2017 wherein it was found that the city's dirtiest toilet was the pay-and-use toilet near the Gateway of India. "Has the civic administration taken any action to improve the condition of the toilet," asked Narvekar.

Even other members of the standing committee alleged that the civic administration was busy introducing new proposals to benefit contractors. "The Gateway of India is a heritage structure and the civic administration needs to maintain the footpaths, lights and other street amenities in a proper way," said another member.

Ramesh Korgaonkar, the civic standing committee chairman, asked civic officials to pay a visit to the adjoining areas of Gateway of India to know the status of civic facilities. "The proposal of new work has been put on hold till the visit," said Korgaonkar.