Hope the viewing decks remain well-kept, clean

The viewing deck at Girgaon can accommodate around 500 people. Pic/Bipin Kokate

The Shivaji Park viewing gallery that opened in February this year has got a SoBo sibling. The Girgaon Chowpatty viewing gallery opened on Sunday evening.

The gallery, standing at the start of the Chowpatty stretch, is a welcome addition to the city's infrastructure. Walkers and joggers who rue the loss of a part of chowpatty because of the Coastal Road now have a deck which can be used to limber up before or even wind down with some light stretching after a run. It may not make up for the fabulous sea facing stretch which is now barricaded, but it can add a facet to a fitness schedule.

Having said that, the public must know that this is made for their enjoyment and pleasure. Post Shivaji Park deck opening, this paper had stressed that viewing decks must provide a worthwhile view. Since these are located on the beach, clean sands, clean water, orderly crowds and maintaining hygiene and sanitation should be paramount.

This time, we must also stress that the gallery itself needs to be respected as a space. No hooliganism on the deck. Vandalism of public property should simply not exist but should have very stiff fines if it happens. For this, surveillance needs to be top notch. Spitting and littering on the deck are absolute no-nos. Obey the rules so that this is preserved as is and is a symbol of pride for the Mumbaikar who has little access to public infra like this.

During the opening of a beautification initiative at Colaba, residents were overheard telling the BJP leaders that they want a viewing deck in the area too, like the stunning one at Girgaon Chowpatty. That is an indicator of the enthusiasm and aspirations of locals. A clean, well-kept space means we have regard for these galleries.