'Don't move Gateway jetty to Radio Club'

Updated on: 19 February,2009 07:55 AM IST |
Sanjeev Devasia |

The state government's plan to move the jetty from the Gateway of India to the Radio Club has run into opposition.

The state government's plan to move the jetty from the Gateway of India to the Radio Club has run into opposition. After receiving intelligence inputs that the Gateway was likely to be targeted by terrorists, the government had decided to cordon of the area and the move the jetty.

But resident associations at Radio Club have opposed the move. "The plan was to cordon off the jetty with two Coast Guard ships and also install two anti-aircraft guns near the Gateway jetty. But by shifting the jetty from the present location, the government is inconveniencing thousands of residents near Radio Club," said Ram Dandekar, president of Strand Marg Association.

"Around 1.5 lakh people on weekends and 50,000 on weekdays use the jetty to travel to places such as Elephanta Caves, Uran, Alibag, Rewas and Mandwa. Presently, around 350 vessels, of which 50 are unauthorised, and about 200 speed boats operate from there. Radio Club cannot take the load of a jetty," added Dandekar.

The Mumbai Port Trust (MPT) had, 10 years ago, tried to create a terminal for a hovercraft at the Radio Club, but abandoned the plans after facing similar opposition.

"The jetty can be shifted to the Oyster area. We will do whatever's possible to stop the government," said Dandekar.

Added local corporator Vinod Shekhar, "This idea makes no sense, as the Gateway is just few metres away from the Radio Club. We have met MPT chairman Rahul Asthana and told him about our opposition. We will now meet Guardian Minister Nawab Malik."

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