11 October,2016 08:36 AM IST | | Laxman Singh
The charm of the Queen's Necklace will be undisturbed. The BMC has decided not to touch the iconic Marine Drive's promenade while executing its ambitious coastal road plan, after objections the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) raised objections to the proposed alignment
The new proposed coastal road plan
The charm of the Queen's Necklace will be undisturbed. The BMC has decided not to touch the iconic Marine Drive's promenade while executing its ambitious coastal road plan, after objections the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) raised objections to the proposed alignment.
Instead, the BMC will construct a cantilever next to the Princess Street flyover and into the sea, from where the coastal road will begin. The civic body had earlier planned to shift the promenade into the sea, with the road beginning at the stretch close to the flyover.
Read Story: Heritage committee puts speed-breaker in Mumbai's coastal road plan
mid-day had on September 10 reported that the heritage committee had rejected the plan on the grounds that it could destroy iconic seaside spots. Civic officials, led by Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, made a revised presentation before the heritage panel last week.
A senior MHCC member said the committee is satisfied with the new plan. "Our other objection was to the tunnel opening near the Mumbai Police Gymkhana. The officials have agreed to construct the dome of the tunnel with some light and transparent material so that it does not obstruct the view of Marine Drive."
BMC officials have also assured the heritage panel that they will not construct any viewing deck near the Bandra Fort, or affect the view of the Haji Ali dargah since the road will be over 500 m away.
Mukherjee, who is in charge of the project, said, "We have presented all details with regard to their queries before the committee. They seemed satisfied with the explanation. We are hoping to get a positive response."
