The Indian Express 17.06.2013
Major push for a more beautiful Marine Drive
beautification plan got a fresh thrust with MMRDA applying for the
crucial coastal regulation zone and heritage committee clearance. If
cleared, the tenders are expected to be issued by August, this year,
said officials.
If things go as planned, Mumbaikars will get the city’s first
viewing deck stretched into the Arabian sea, in addition to the makeover
of the Marine Drive promenade. The heritage Parsi Gate will be
restored, and the road near Princess Street will be widenend to make
space for motorists. The makeover, initiated in 2004, had not gained
ground since February 2013, after an empowered committee (EC) headed by
chief secretary Jayant Kumar Banthia gave an in-principle nod. MMRDA
plans to complete the main features of the project in the next one year.
“We are trying to implement some components from what the
architect has recommended. The total cost will not amount to more than
Rs 2-3 crore. We are trying to involve private parties and residents
living around the area for sponsoring some of the work,” said U P S
Madan, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA.
For the viewing deck, the MMRDA will build cantilever
structures,which involves anchoring the beam at just one end to take the
stress of the entire deck.
“We identified the elements that are immediately do-able and
necessary. For example, the restoration of the Parsi Gate is important
as it holds a sentimental value for the community and is currently in a
total state of disrepair,” Madan said.
MMRDA will widen the road under the flyover near Princess Street.
“There is redundant water pipeline. We have proposed to remove it and
widen the road,” the metropolitan commissioner added.
The project was discussed with Maharashtra Coastal Zone
Management Authority, which seemed positive about it, said S V R
Srinivas, additional metropolitan commissioner.