The Kanhoji Angre Island was expected to be inaugurated and opened for tourists by the end of April. However, considering the spike in coronavirus cases across Mumbai and Maharashtra, officials have decided to postpone it to a later date.
This island is situated around 23 Km from the Gateway of India and is expected to be a tourism hotspot in the city. The Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) is currently engaged in conducting restoration and improvement works on the island.
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An official said that the island was to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other ministers and dignitaries. But those plans have now been put on hold.
In the interim, the Central Government has received a list of operators from the MbPT. These operators will offer a variety of services at the island and are required to be cleared by the Defence, External Affairs, and Home Ministries before activities at the region begin.
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As for the amenities present at the island, officials said that there will be accommodations for those visiting the island with makeshift resorts and restaurants expected to be opened. Due to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) restrictions, no permanent structures can be established on the island.
CRZ norms further state that no new construction works can be undertaken within 500 metres of the high-tide line on the island. An MbPT official said that a proposal has been sent to reduce the buffer zone to accommodate activities in the region. But until the proposals are cleared, officials will reportedly make temporary arrangements for tourists, the official added.
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