A week after raising concerns with the state archaeological department over changes to the 400-year-old Bandra Fort, local residents have now written to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). They are protesting the reduction in green cover caused by the recent concretisation of the Bandra Fort garden. Nearly 80 residents signed a letter, addressed to BMC officials including Assistant Commissioner of the H/ward and Civic Chief Bhushan Gagrani, asking for the garden’s restoration to its original state. Their demands include removing the newly concretised sections and planting more bushes, shrubs, and shade-giving indigenous trees to mitigate heat.
The Bandra Fort, also known as Castella de Aguada, was built by the Portuguese in 1640. In an effort to preserve the structure, the state archaeological department allocated Rs 70 lakh for repairs. Concurrently, the BMC began beautifying the nearby garden, which it manages, and opened the revamped space to the public earlier this month. However, many residents and activists are disappointed, noting that the restoration work has altered the historic character of the fort and significantly reduced greenery due to concrete additions.
On Tuesday, concerned residents submitted a letter to senior BMC officials criticizing the changes. They called the modifications “unsustainable” and a “waste of taxpayer money,” noting that Rs 18.23 crore had been spent on redeveloping the garden, which included replacing plants, changing flooring, and concreting large areas. Local resident Natasha Pereira, who has visited the fort since childhood, described how the concrete installation has caused the area to heat up, replacing once-cool green spaces with hard tiles. She lamented the removal of taller shrubs, the disappearance of the lotus pond, and the overall increase in heat due to the new concrete surfaces in an interview with The Indian Express.
In addition to restoring the greenery, the resident’s letter also requested that the BMC should bring back the lotus pond and place benches under the trees for shade. In response, the BMC stated that their beautification efforts focused only on previously undeveloped areas. A senior BMC official emphasized that existing green spaces were preserved, with plans for additional indigenous plantings in the next phase. He mentioned that accessibility improvements have been made behind the amphitheater and that basalt tiles were used to replace pebbles in the front section, along with adding planters and tall trees near the entrance to boost greenery.
