Mumbai: Bandra’s Chimbai, one of the dirtiest beaches in the city, is all set for a fresh and clean look. As a part of Chimbai beach beautification plans, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has undertaken a comprehensive cleaning plan. The civic body has also decided to clean up the neighbouring Varingpada beach.
As there is no contractor available for its cleanliness, Chimbai beach is full of silt, soil, debris and waste. This has raised hackles of citizen groups and corporators, who have been repeatedly complaining to the BMC about the pathetic state of the beach.
Though smallest in size, Chimbai in Bandra is one of the dirtiest beaches in the city. A recent study had discovered that at any time there is an average of 30 tonnes (30,000 kg) of garbage on the beach surroundings. Chimbai’s topography — more rocky than sand — traps most of the garbage between the rocks, preventing it from being washed away by the sea. The cleaning work involves collecting the silt, soil, debris and waste on the beach and carrying it, with the help of dumpers, tractors and loaders, to the dumping ground. The BMC has decided to allot the cleaning work to M/s Mona Enterprises at the cost of '64 lakh.
Local corporator Asif Zakaria from Congress said, “The cleaning will be done comprehensively and systematically on a regular basis. In between it had stopped for nearly four-five years as the BMC had failed to appoint a contractor. The cleaning that was carried out by municipal employees was irregular. As a result the beach has become eyesore with trash and waste everywhere.”
“The cleaning exercise is the first step towards making Chimbai beach a tourist attraction for Mumbaikars,” said Mr Zakaria.
“It will provide connectivity between Bandstand promenade and Joggers Park at Carter Road. People will enjoy the beach if it is clean and beautiful,” he added.
BMC’s Chimbai beautification plan involves walkways and a promenade, to be shaded by coconut groves and other plantations. The plan also features open spaces and an amphitheatre for cultural and social programmes.
