More demolitions in Marine Drive beautification

The second phase of the plan that is likely to begin early next year will see quite a number of demolitions, reports Uma Upadhyaya.

Not only the 19 bungalows opposite Mantralaya housing the state's ministers would have to make way for the second phase of Marine Drive beautification, many more demolitions are likely to take place next year.

With the first phase of beautification underway with revamping of the 3.5 kms stretch involving construction of a new parapet walls, new tiles and construction of landscaped oasis with greenery at various locations, the second phase of the plan that is likely to begin early next year will see quite a number of demolitions.

Commissioner of MMRDA, T Chandrashekhar told HT, "The plan for the second phase is still not approved by the government. There are many demolitions and we would also have to rehabilitate people in the process. I would not like to reveal much before the plan is cleared."

He added that the first phase of the project, which is underway, will be completed by February 2007 after which the second phase would begin after getting the necessary approvals.

It is not only ministers who are pleased with the bungalows, various residents associations too are keen about the plan of demolishing the bungalows.

According to Swarn Kohli, president of Nariman Point Churchgate Citizens Association, "We have been working on this for quite a long time now. The government has encroached upon public land and the bungalows have been constructed on the plot meant for a recreation ground and a green area. We have been taking it up since 1998 and have even written to the CM quite a number of times. It will be a good thing that bungalows will make way for open space meant for the public."

The second phase involves beautifying the Queen's Necklace right upto Chowpatty that would involve demolition of many structures including the Birla Krida Kendra, the public auditorium owned by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) at Chowpatty.

"An amphitheatre that would be open to the public is planned at that place. Many shops too would have to be rehabilitated. Also all the food-stalls on and around the beach would come under one food plaza," said a MMRDA official. He also added that completion of phase two of the plan would take quite a considerable time due to large number of demolitions and rehabilitations.

HT Image

The entire beautification of Marine Drive at the cost of around Rs 100 crore is underway. The first phase started in September this year and is expected to be completed in February 2007.

Phase II:

* Small amphitheatre at the NCPA end of the road.
* New garden in front of the Mantralaya and Vidhan Sabha.
* Restoration of the buildings standing along the sea-face. Street furniture and heritage plaques to be provided.
*Subways to be constructed at four pedestrian crossings along with toilets and drinking water facilities.
*An open air amphitheatre at Chowpatty, with provisions for the existing bhelpuri vendors.