Mumbai: Soon get a clear view of Gateway of India from a distance

An empty Gateway of India during the COVID-19 lockdown in July last year. File pic

Do you want a clear view of the Gateway of India even from a distance? The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is thinking of shifting the shops around the landmark in a way so that they don't obstruct the view. While the plan is still in its initial stage, civic officials said that the idea was to adhere to the security arrangements of the place and yet make it possible for tourists to get a clear view of the structure.

According to sources, the shops would be shifted to a different spot inside the premises. The civic body is likely to do away with the heavy barricading at the entrance as well and replace it with something that would not spoil the beauty of the monument. "We want to draw a plan that will help people get a clear view of the structure even from a distance," said a civic official.

As the Gateway of India is a joint project of the MTDC, Maritime Board, Police, MbPT and the Maharashtra Archaeological Department among others, the plan would be prepared based on approval from all the stakeholders. A heritage conservationist has already been given the work of drafting the plan.

The earlier plan that was drawn by the conservationist included construction of a basement level and accommodating the shops there. However, the BMC rejected it as it involved the risk of flooding and would have made the place vulnerable to security threats, sources said.

Requesting anonymity, a civic official said, "It is not just us but even other agencies are involved and the plan has to be approved by them as well. The plan will include shifting the shops to a different spot inside the premises and making the monument visible from a distance and tourist-friendly too. The barricading that has become an eyesore for many will also make way for something less-cluttered."