The newly restored Bandra Fort and its garden have sparked criticism from locals. Locals have criticised the cement plastering and painting of the 17th-century Portuguese fort, located at Land's End, Bandstand in Bandra.
The fort was officially reopened partially on Sunday, October 6, by MLA Ashish Shelar after being closed for two years. However, the fort is not fully open to the public yet. The restoration is part of an INR 16.5 crore beautification project by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The public reaction has been negative.
The space has reportedly been significantly modernised. Large parts of the fort have been covered in cement and painted cream, with a few areas left where bricks are damaged. Construction materials and debris are also scattered near the entrance.
A staircase has replaced the rocks, and the amphitheatre has been restored using basalt. Steps have been added to a nearby mandir. The pathways were repaved, and a new irrigation system was installed.
Locals have claimed that the greenery of the area has been replaced with concrete, and the once open garden and large lawns have been paved over with expensive basalt stone. However, BMC claims that no trees were cut during the project.
Bandra fort: Before/After https://t.co/mMTIkBhm9p pic.twitter.com/t47zMAsVeC
— naresh fernandes (@tajmahalfoxtrot) October 9, 2024
The BMC and its beautification. They’ve ruined Bandra Fort. pic.twitter.com/B6T3dW63lx
— Rahul Bhatia (@rahulabhatia) October 9, 2024
As per a report by HT, former Bandra corporator Asif Zakaria raised concerns about the garden next to the fort. In a letter to municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, he said that the project lacked proper consultation with locals and urban planners.
Reactions from social media are similar. One Twitter user called the new fort a "monstrous piece of sterile concrete," claiming that the old charm of the fort has been destroyed.
Locals also reported restricted access to the garden, which is only open from 4 to 6 pm. A representative from the BMC Gardens Department stated that no final decision had been made on the garden’s opening hours.
Benedict Soares and his group maintained the garden for 18 years before the BMC took over, HT reported. Soares mentioned that the group installed lighting, vegetation, chairs, and a watering system for the garden. However, it was never well lit after the BMC took control.
Locals remain divided over the changes, with many feeling that a part of the area’s history has been permanently lost.