Bandra Fort Gets Coastal Safety Upgrade

The iconic Bandra Fort precinct in Mumbai is set to undergo a coastal safety revamp, with the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) receiving CRZ clearance to strengthen the existing protection wall and construct a new jetty-like watch deck along the coastline.

The proposal aims to protect the historic fort and adjoining promenade from wave action, erosion, and structural deterioration, besides improving coastal surveillance and public safety.

The protection wall strengthening works will cover approximately 370 metres of the shoreline. The project includes strengthening the existing seawall, which has suffered significant damage, including displaced armour stones, erosion of its crest, scouring of rock fill beneath the promenade, and cavities developing below sections of the concrete pavement.

An IIT Bombay assessment found that the site is directly exposed to Arabian Sea waves, has a tidal range of around 4.95 metres, and experiences severe monsoon conditions. The MMB has therefore proposed strengthening the coastal defence infrastructure to prevent further damage to the promenade, public areas, and the Bandra Fort precinct.

The revamp will involve filling gaps between the existing pavement and seawall crest and rearranging stones to create a slope. A secondary armour layer comprising 0.5-1 tonne stones and a main armour layer of two-tonne tetrapods will be installed, along with 1.5-2 tonne stones for toe protection.

The design also includes a 500-mm-wide concrete wall, 200-mm-thick concrete slab, and a crest level of around +7 metres. A one-metre-high crown wall and drainage openings at suitable intervals have been proposed to deal with monsoon-wave overtopping.

Alongside the protection works, the MMB will construct a pile-supported precast concrete jetty/watch deck to facilitate coastal surveillance and provide an observation platform at the strategically located coastline. The proposed watch deck will cover 523.1 sq m, while the protection wall strengthening covers 4,990.44 sq m.

The MMB will additionally have to implement the mitigation measures and Environment Management Plan prescribed in the project's Environmental Impact Assessment report and obtain all other statutory permissions before commencing the work.

The project is expected to improve shoreline resilience, safeguard the Bandra Fort precinct and adjoining public assets, and strengthen public safety and emergency preparedness along the coastline.

The Bandra Fort precinct is a historic and culturally significant area in Mumbai, and the proposed upgrade will help to protect it from the effects of erosion and damage caused by wave action. The project will also improve the overall safety and security of the area, making it a more enjoyable and secure place for visitors and locals alike.

In recent years, the Mumbai coastline has experienced significant erosion and damage due to wave action and other environmental factors. The proposed upgrade to the Bandra Fort precinct is part of a larger effort to protect and preserve the city's coastline and historic landmarks.

The project is a significant step forward in the efforts to safeguard Mumbai's coastal assets and improve public safety. It is expected to have a positive impact on the local community and the city as a whole, and will help to preserve the historic and cultural significance of the Bandra Fort precinct for generations to come.