Residents get nod to beautify space under Matunga flyover

Residents of Matunga are setting an example for every Mumbaikar by taking over the area under Tulpule Chowk flyover at King's Circle and beautifying it on their own. After running from pillar to post seeking permissions for two years for the project, they have finally received approval to give a makeover to the space below the flyover.

Members of Matunga Residents Association held the inauguration ceremony for the proposed makeover of the area under Tulpule Chowk flyover, which was also attended by Congress MLA Kalidas Kolambkar. Pic/Suresh KK

The area below Tulpule Chowk flyover was in a pathetic condition, with illegal encroachment and parking and littering prevalent there. Alarmed, the residents approached the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for permission so that the space could be used and maintained by them.

mid-day report on May 5, 2013

mid-day had reported about the residents' ambitious plan to create an amphitheatre, a skating path, a joggers' track, seating arrangements for people, small flower garden, etc in May 2013. The civic body finally gave the approval on Thursday.

The plan proposes a 1-km long park below the flyover, starting from Maheshwari Udyan towards Dadar TT bridge. Residents now have to raise around Rs 3 crore to build and maintain the park, for which they are planning to approach multinational corporations.

"We want to make the best park of Mumbai. Two years ago, we even hired a watchman to look after the space, hoping that, one day, we would have our own park there. After receiving approval from the BMC, our next step is to get sponsorship. Once the funds are in place, it should take approximately three months for us to start the construction work on the project," informed Ravi Chandran, one of the residents.

BMC Speak
SVR Srinivas, additional municipal commissioner, confirmed the development, saying, "The BMC has given permission for the beautification below the flyover and the work has begun."