Coming straight from haat, a new cultural centre near Mumbai

MUMBAI: With urban planners seeking 'greener pastures' to help citizens get away from the rigours of daily life, a new destination is being planned in Belapur as a 'national cultural arena in the midst of nature'.

A six-hectare plot is being developed adjacent to Belapur railway station close to the Pune-Mumbai highway to enable citizens and tourists enjoy a 'slice of India' in the lush surroundings of natural settings.

"Belapur Haat" is expected to come up by December, in a thickly-wooded forest area, modelled somewhat on the lines of popular New Delhi hotspot, 'Dilli Haat,' with the ambience resembling maybe Surajkund and beyond," said Deepak Kapoor, Joint Managing Director, CIDCO, the state agency involved in the project.    

"The Dilli Haat is permanent, a bit more like a shopping destination and is in the midst of concrete, Surajkund fair is more natural, exotic but held annually."

"We are doing more than both, Belapur Haat is permanent like Dilli Haat, but it more of an environment friendly destination, the Surajkund fair, held annually, does not cater to visiting tourists around the year."

"The aim of Belapur Haat is to provide a one-stop-one-shop for culture halt for those on expressways and for citizens to enjoy the diversity of India's heritage in a microcosmic setting," Kapoor said.

"The 'Haat' is also being linked by a small bridge to the railway station to enable train travellers break journey, put up their feet, take in some good food, buy artifacts and just enjoy nature."