Alternative Coastal Road Project Design Proposed To Save Parsi Gate

As per news reports in the Free Press Journal, in an attempt to save the Parsi Gate structure from relocation, community members have proposed an alternative plan for the ongoing Coastal Road Project. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had earlier announced, to shift the hundred-year-old structure for constructing a tunnel on the outer edges of the Marine Drive precinct. The civic authority had also approached the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) seeking its approval in removing the structure.

Earlier in the week, a group of concerned citizens met Municipal Commissioner – Iqbal Singh Chahal and proposed the new alternative design, as per which the proposed tunnel could be constructed through the middle of the road, thereby not impacting the Parsi Gate structure. “Building the tunnel on the outer edges would affect the footpath and having a tunnel in the middle of the road is potentially safer and will also not affect the movement of the vehicles” said Alan Abraham, architect of the project. Taking note of the new design, Chahal has instructed senior officials of the CRP department to call for a joint technical meeting within 15 days.

Community membe Havovi Sukhadwala has been writing to the civic officials urging them to not move the structure from the very start and had also launched an online signature campaign. She said that the municipal commissioner had given positive feedback as regards the new design and they were looking forward to the joint meeting.

Colaba MLA – Rahul Narwekar and Cuffe Parade Corporator – Harshita Narwekar were also present in the meeting. “The structure has citizen’s sentiments attached to it; if we can protect the structure with an alternative design, then it’s a win for everyone,” Harshita Narwekar said. “The commissioner has assured consideration of the new design, we are hopeful that things will eventually fall into place after the joint technical meeting takes place,” added Rahul Narwekar.

Located at the Marine Drive Promenade just opposite of Taraporewala Aquarium, the design of the Parsi Gate is built on the basis of ancient Parsi architecture which comprises two five-metre pillars made of stone. Parsis have been paying respect to Avan Yazad (water deity) at this gate, for over a century now; Hindus also use the gate to immerse offerings in the sea, during Poornima.