Mumbai: The local residents of Bandra have expressed dismay over the recent beautification work at Bandra Bandstand Fort Garden, which reopened to the public on Monday. They have voiced concerns over changes to the Fort area, particularly the cutting down of trees and the replacement of grass with paved cement and concrete in the adjacent garden. Residents lament that the green space has been largely replaced with extensive concrete, resulting in a loss of charm and aesthetics.
The popular tourist spot at Bandra Bandstand was closed for repairs two years ago, with an estimated cost of nearly 18 crores for the garden and fort areas. It has recently reopened to the public, but residents are dissatisfied, complaining about the extensive concretization in the garden under the guise of a revamp. Bandra Bandstand fort garden after revamp | File Photo Bandra resident Vidyadhar Date expressed his frustration in a social media post, stating, "The old fort walls have been plastered over and painted a cream color.
It has been altered beyond recognition, except for parts of the outer wall that remain intact. It was such a cool, pleasant, shaded place; now it is utterly hot, a monument to the cement concrete and construction lobby." Currently, the garden's timings are restricted to 4 to 6 PM.
Vidyadhar Date raised concerns, stating, "There is reason to suspect that once the gates are closed in the evening, the area will be opened exclusively for residents of the adjoining luxury hotel or .