Marine Drive divider gets civic body's nod

After Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta on Wednesday approved the proposal of certain measures for the beautification of Marine Drive, residents of the area are rejoicing.

For the Marine drive facelift, which is the favourite tourist destination of Mumbaikars, and also a heritage location, the Nariman Point Churchgate Citizens Welfare Trust had sent a proposal last year to BMC which the local BJP corporator Harshita Narvekar took up this year.

The beautification measures, which will be taken up are the restoration of fountain under Princess street flyover, renovation of Parsi gate in front of Taraporewala aquarium, trees plantation, refurbishing of a public toilet in front of Air India building and development of Tambe chowk near Girgaum chowpatty for recreational activities.

However, the key measures that BMC has accepted at Marine drive is increasing the height of the divider by installing spikes and decorative in the new median. Indrani Malkahni from Citizens Action Network said, "This is the best decision as it is concerned not only for beautification but safety. When a person is not concerned about his or her safety and does acrobatics by climbing the divider to cross the road, it is only the civic authorities to take preventive measures to avoid major accidents."