Mumbai's ancient Sewri Fort, built by the British East India Company in 1680 as a guard tower, is set to receive a makeover.
The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) will oversee the renovation, which includes repairing the exterior walls and damaged roof, creating a flamingo observation gallery on the roof, and illuminating the fort. A 15-minute movie will also be screened within the fort.
The makeover project, which aims to enhance tourism and cultural preservation, will cost a total of INR 7 crore. The Sewri Fort makeover project is scheduled to begin around July or August.
In addition to these renovations, the Sewri Fort will also receive new restrooms, parking area, and a garden with landscaping will be created nearby. At present, bird-watchers use the Sewri jetty to view the flamingos or else walk through muddy terrain to take photographs.
The fort, which was transformed into a Mumbai Port Authority godown after serving as a prison for inmates, will have a ticketed entrance to pay for the salaries of security personnel.
Located on Parel Island, the Sewri Fort boasts impressive views of the Indian mainland and the Eastern Seaboard. Despite its lengthy, illustrious past, including being stormed by a 20,000-man force led by the Siddi general Yadi Sakat in 1689, the fort lacks decorations and is surrounded by thick stone walls with an inner ring for additional defence.
Moreover, it is one of Mumbai's riskiest locations for women with less security provided as only 80 watchmen were there for the 400 forts in the state.
The director of the state archaeology unit acknowledges the shortage of both manpower and money. However, the ticketed entrance could help pay for the security personnel salaries.
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