Mumbai's iconic Old Woman's Shoe expected to re-open in March 2018

Renovation work at Kamla Nehru Park in Mumbai on in full swing to meet the March 2018 reopening deadline

The revamp of Kamla Nehru Park, at Malabar Hill, opposite the Hanging Gardens, going on in full steam, is expected to meet its March 2018 deadline. The park, defined by its iconic Old Woman's Shoe, is undergoing renovation for the past few months now. Standing out amidst all the work is the old woman's shoe, sheathed in green cloth with heads of workers, neck-deep in work, visible above it.

The covered shoe at Kamla Nehru Park. Pic/Bipin Kokate

The gates are shut but through the slats of the railings one can see workers painting the numerous pagodas in the park. Additional Municipal Commissioner (projects) Sanjay Mukherjee said, "We are moving at a steady clip. In fact, the revamp pace is such that it may very well be completed before the deadline. The iconic shoe inspired by a nursery rhyme is undergoing complete repairs, because it was damaged by lightning." "The shoe has been closed for six to seven years now, even though the park has been open. The aim is to restore it to its original, so that children can climb right to the top, just like they used to earlier," he added.

Repair work on in a park dotted by pagodas

Clock talk
Mukherjee also said, "Our revamped garden is all inspired by nursery rhymes..." The park also has a reclining clock, which is very close to one of the many pagodas there. The charming clock used to be surrounded by beds of flowers. This clock, said Mukherjee, would be restored according to the rhyme 'Hickory, dickory dock; the mouse ran up the clock…' Currently, the clock is in a shocking condition, with debris and other material piled on it. Its hands appear to be missing. When mid-day paid a visit on Wednesday afternoon, a small tree had also keeled over on the clock.

Site in-charge Sandeep N, however, said, "We have removed the hands of the clock and put them in a storage room. We are going to clean and paint the clock, after which they will be put back on it." Mukherjee too said the clock would be restored and all material removed. "We aim to green this park even more. Also, each tree will have signage, so that children can learn a little. This will give the park an educational aspect," he added.

The reclining clock covered in debris

Kid concern
Activist Sanjay Shirke, however, scoffed at the stress on the "educational aspect". "If they are so concerned about children, why did they shut off access to the two children's gardens on one side of this park?" The two gardens, including one for mentally challenged children, have been closed since the revamp. "The gardens will open along with the revamped park. I cannot reveal everything here, let there be some surprises," said Mukherjee with a laugh.

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