Shiv Sena, Congress object to Centre’s proposal of jetty at Girgaon Chowpatty

The Shiv Sena and Congress councillors who are part of the Improvements Committee on Monday raised objection against the Union government’s proposal to construct a jetty at Girgaon Chowpatty to boost tourism. Though Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) corporators were seen pushing the proposal for getting approval from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). But, due to opposition from Congress and Sena, the chairman of the committee Bala (Anant) Nar sent the proposal back for more details and delayed the approval until next committee meeting.

Javed Juneja, Congress corporator of Nagpada said that the place where the union government wants to construct the jetty has a building were earlier Marathi theatres would run. “Though the theatre is shut currently, it should be revived and restored to provide a platform to Marathi artist, rather than demolishing it and constructing a jetty in the name of tourism.”

Supporting the Congress, Sena corporator Kishori Pendekar taunted the BJP and said, “BJP is fooling everyone in the name of development. But we Shiv Sainiks won’t destroy everyone which has sentimental values. The Marathi theatre should be restored back.”

Shraddha Jadhav, senior Sena corporator and former Mayor, added BMC made budgetary provision for the restoration of the theatre, hence, why it was not restored should be found out. BMC officers are answerable for why the work was not undertaken, she said.

Meanwhile, Prakash Gangadhare, the BJP corporator and former Improvements Committee chairman, raised fingers at Sena and claimed that their opposition as an anti-development strategy. “The jetty will not just boost tourism but also will generate employment opportunity. In addition, in Mumbai at present, there is no such place which enhances Mumbai’s tourism,” added Gangadhare.