Marine Drive stretch likely to get bollards

On Tuesday, the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) is likely to decide on the proposal sent by Mumbai Police to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) regarding the installation of bollards or raising the height of the Marine Drive promenade for security reasons. The proposal was made to secure the promenade from possible Barcelona-style terror attacks.

According to the police, a few months ago, the police conducted a drill and made a film to assess the consequences in case a reckless vehicle manages to drive on the busy Marine Drive promenade. The police then concluded that either the height of the promenade should be raised to create a barrier or bollards should be installed. Following this, the police sent a proposal with the film to BMC and the state government requesting them to create barriers.

"We have written to the government and BMC for creating barriers at the promenade to ensure vehicles cannot access it. The film was made to demonstrate to the government the need for the barriers," said a senior police officer.

The BMC forwarded the proposal to MHCC for a nod and remarks. "We are waiting for the heritage committee's remarks on it and a go ahead," said Vinod Chithore, Chief Engineer-Road (BMC). "A meeting will be held on Tuesday to decide on this issue. The committee will discuss all aspects and the need for installing bollards on the promenade," said Umesh Nagarkar, an official from MHCC.

Meanwhile, some resident associations have also opposed the installation of bollards stating that they will affect the space and beauty of the Queen's Necklace.