After removing the encroachments of huts on Mahim Fort, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is now focusing on beautification of the fort.
For this, renowned conservation architect Vikas Dilawari has been appointed as consultant to repair and restore the fort's heritage value and old glory.
Mahim Fort, which is important from the point of view of naval armament, was once considered as the guardian stone of the sea route of Mumbai. Many tourists come to see this fort, which has witnessed many historical events of more than a thousand years.
But the huts on the fort were hampering the beauty of the fort. Also, unsanitary was created. Due to this, tourists were expressing displeasure. After repeated attention of the municipality by the fort researchers and environmentalist organisations, a decision was finally taken to conserve this fort along with other sea forts in Mumbai.
In the first phase of the beautification of Mahim Fort, it was decided to remove the huts on the fort. The civic body had razed 267 structures around it a few months ago but no follow-up action was involved. Encroachment of huts started on the fort generally from 1970 onwards. As per the state government's policy of protecting slums till the year 2000, these slums were first rehabilitated in alternative places.
Moreover, work on putting up protective fencing has also started. A detailed project report will be prepared by Dilawari after complete study of the work required and cost involved for the beautification of fort.
The official said that meanwhile Mahim beach has been cleaned up, with no open defecation allowed in the area.
After the fort regains its past glory, the tourists coming will be able to see the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) from the fort, informed Prashant Sapkale, Assistant Commissioner of North Division of the Municipality.
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