3 years after 1st phase, state takes Chaityabhoomi project forward
Shalini Nair Posted online: Friday , Apr 02, 2010 at 2340 hrs
Mumbai : The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has
sought Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for phases two and
three of the Chaityabhoomi beautification project, the move coming
three years after the first phase was carried out.
The Chaityabhoomi ground, next to Shivaji Park, is the final resting
place of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Every year, on his death anniversary
on December 6, over 5 lakh Dalits from all over the country converge
at the ground; thousands arrive on Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14, too.
The Rs-21-crore project is being executed by the BMC with aid from the
state government. Phase one involved repairs to the drainage system
and the pathway as well as placing of boulders to protect the
retaining wall.
Phases two and three will involve the construction of a walkway,
projecting into the sea and running parallel to the coast. "The
existing half-kilometre pathway leading to the stupa is only 10 metres
wide. Under the new proposal, it will extend further into the sea,
with a total width of 20 metres, with the help of cantilevers," said
the BMC's city engineer, SD Vatkar.
The project will also include expansion of the existing stupa without
disturbing the original structure, landscaping and construction of a
water fountains and a circular meditation pavilion next to the stupa
to accommodate hundreds of Bodh Bhikshus who pay homage at the site.
Explaining the delay in phases two and three, state environment
secretary and MCZMA chairperson Valsa Nair-Singh said, "We had asked
for a certain re-alignment of the proposed walkway in tandem with the
CRZ rules, due to which the proposal had to be submitted once again,"
said Singh. All three phases of the project come under CRZ-I, with
much of the construction seaward of the existing stupa.
Civic officials say phase four would go beyond beautification and look
at setting up a library featuring the works of Dr Ambedkar. The BMC is
in talks with the National Textile Corporation which owns the
adjoining defunct India United Mills 6 plot, the proposed site for the
library.
The state had recently constituted a committee under the Chief
Secretary for speedy implementation of the project and to resolve
issues between various government agencies.
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