The recent restoration of Bandra Fort, a 17th-century Portuguese landmark located in Mumbai’s Bandstand area, has ignited a heated debate among locals. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) INR 16.5 crore beautification project, which involved extensive renovations to the fort and its surrounding gardens, has faced criticism for its perceived destruction of the historic site’s character.
While the fort was officially reopened to the public on October 6 after a two-year closure, the restoration efforts have been met with widespread disapproval. Locals have expressed concern over the heavy use of cement plastering and the painting of the fort’s exterior, which they argue has obscured the original brickwork and diminished its historical significance. The BMC’s modernization efforts, including the construction of a staircase, restoration of the amphitheater, and installation of a new irrigation system, have also drawn criticism. Some residents believe that these changes have compromised the fort’s natural beauty and replaced the green spaces with concrete.
Former Bandra corporator, Benedict Soares, has raised concerns about the lack of public consultation and urban planning involved in the restoration project. In a letter to the municipal commissioner, he highlighted the project’s negative impact on the surrounding garden, which he claimed has been paved over with expensive basalt stone, replacing the original greenery. Social media has also been abuzz with criticism, with many users expressing their disappointment with the fort’s new appearance. One user described the restored fort as a “monstrous piece of sterile concrete,” lamenting the loss of its old-world charm. In addition to the aesthetic changes, locals have reported limited access to the fort’s garden, which is currently open only during specific hours. The BMC’s Gardens Department has stated that a final decision on the garden’s opening hours is yet to be made. The restoration project has created a divide among locals, with many feeling that a significant part of their neighborhood’s history has been irrevocably lost. While the BMC may have intended to enhance the fort’s appeal and accessibility, the project’s outcome has sparked a broader debate about the preservation of historical landmarks and the importance of public consultation in such initiatives.
