Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan: BMC set to clean CST thrice a day

Under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the BMC has to present the beautification plan to Central government on September 30.

You may soon find the busiest railway station neat and hawker-free.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) is the only railway station from the state that has made to the top 10 iconic locations selected under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Under the proposal, it will be cleaned thrice in a day, decorated with murals and made pedestrian-friendly.

Other than relocating hawkers from around CST, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will also beautify the station area with murals on the station walls. The BMC plans to paint the general post office wall on St. George lane with all iconic and tourist locations with its historic relevance.

Under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the BMC has to present the beautification plan to Central government on September 30.

“Our aim is to beautify the entire area, truly create a visually iconic location and celebrate other iconic location through art. At present, the area is congested and cluttered,” said Kiran Dighvakar, A ward, assistant municipal commissioner.

The BMC also plans to beautify and maintain Bhatia baug (garden) outside the station and also plans to re-align the BEST depot which is outside the station. The civic body already had a meeting with BEST and railway officials.

The CST has also been selected as one out of the 100 railway stations in the country to be upgraded to meet international standards.

According to the proposal tabled before civic chief Ajoy Mehta, sweepers with movable dustbins will be deployed every 1,000 sqm — a concept the BMC calls ‘bringing dustbins to the people’.

The idea has been proposed for all tourist spots in the island city that has a high footfall such as Nairman Point and Marine Lines.

“The proposal has been tabled before the civic chief. Once the nod comes, we will start relocating hawkers and open tenders for appointment of sweepers,” said Dighavkar.