Makeover for Bandra Talao finally kicks off

After a year of facing roadblocks, the proposal to beautify Bandra Talao, formerly known as Lotus Tank, a Grade II heritage site has finally kicked off.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has already made a budgetary provision of Rs2 crore and work on phase I of the project will begin in 15 days.

The BMC has appointed Fugro Geotech Ltd, pioneers in oceanic studies, who conducted a survey on the talao as consultants for the project. “The initial plan was to dewater and then desilt it.

But, we thought that would mean wasting 2.5 million cubic litres of water, which is a huge amount. The consultant appointed thought it wasn’t feasible and the natural ecological systems would get destroyed. They also found that there was 2 metre silt deposited in the bed of the talao,” said Asif Zakaria, local corporator.

The civic body was planning to desilt and clean the talao with help from its storm water drain department, which had desilted the Sion talao.

“But desilting would prove expensive. So, aerators and fountains would be deployed at the pond, which will start the process of giving oxygen in water. Fugro will prepare the design plan to see how many fountains are required to create more oxygen in the water,” added Zakaria.

Manisha Mhaiskar, additional municipal commissioner, said that the citizens and vegetable vendors in the area ought to act responsibly and should not litter the place. Also, the BMC plans to keep a check on the talao to prevent drainage water from falling in it.