The Bandra Fort beautification project is gathering steam as the H-West ward `of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) served notices to 171 hutments who have encroached on the plot adjoining the fort. The notices were served last week under Section 314 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act and the ward officials have asked the encroachers to provide eligibility documents by October 9.
"If eligibility is proved, an alternate accommodation plan will be given to the encroachers while the rest will be demolished," said Assistant Municipal Commissioner, Sharad Ughade. The ward recently demolished 51 illegal structures in the area.
Two adjoining plots owned by the BMC with a combined area of 25,000 sq mt will be utilised in the project. Of the two plots, one has been developed as a garden and adopted by the Residents' Trust while the other plot is partly encroached. The BMC can start the project once the plot is free of all encroachments.
Meanwhile, the municipal architect Surendra Borale has asked consultant Hafeez Contractor to submit the project's final design plan in 15 days. Borale said, "I have received the standing committee resolution to appoint the consultant and in a day or two we will ask him to submit a final design plan in 15 days after which the design plan will be sent to Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) for their final approval".
DNA had reported on July 3 that MCZMA has given its in-principle approval to the project and asked BMC to use only natural materials for the development.
Revamp plan
The beautification plan includes a promenade designed in the form of waves and a cycling track connecting the Bandra Fort to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
