No overhaul of Gateway of India, only modify existing set up, says heritage panel

Tourists at the Gateway of India. File Pic/Suresh Karkera

The Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee has said no to a proposal to revamp the Gateway of India precinct. Instead, it wants only modifications done to the existing structure and its surroundings. Civic officials said the facelift was aimed at redoing the security arrangements to ensure that tourists get a clear view of the monument. Environment and Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray is keen on this project to make the landmark more tourist-friendly, said sources.

The proposal suggested that the black structure that was constructed about 15 years ago on the premises be demolished and the entire area streamlined without any ad-hoc placement of security tents. It wanted the shops to be shifted to a different spot within the premises. While the civic body is keen on doing away with the heavy barricading at the entrance and replacing it with something more aesthetic, the committee has asked it to avoid demolition.

A civic official said, "Currently, if one stands at the Yacht Club, there is no clear view of the monument or the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue. So, it is our aim to rearrange things so that these can be viewed from afar as well." The official said that after a site visit last month, a few members of the committee were convinced about aspects though no go-ahead was given to the proposal. Sources said the Gateway of India and its surrounding has many stakeholders including MTDC, Maritime Board, the police, MbPT and the Archaeological Department, and any change in the plan will be done with their involvement.

A senior civic official said, "After the joint project was tabled before the heritage committee, there was no approval from them as they have suggested that changes be done to the existing premises and not a complete makeover. However, heritage conservationists are again working on fitting in the committee's suggestions but to give a view from afar will then be difficult."

June 2021
When the committee said no to the revamp proposal