MM : Mumbai’s first no-car street at Zaveri Bazaar : Oct 18,2007

Mumbai’s first no-car street at Zaveri Bazaar
From this Diwali, no vehicles will be allowed on Sheikh Memon Road, which is home to Zaveri Bazaar
SUDHIR SURYAWANSHI



    From this Diwali, the two-kilometre Sheikh Memon Road will become a pedestrian-only street as part of a plan to beautify and transform Zaveri Bazaar into a tourist attraction.

    CCTVs are being installed, the number of private security guards are being increased and other paraphernalia added to the street to ensure 24-hour vigilance around the diamond and jewellery hub that has been a soft target for terrorist groups. The market has been targetted twice, in 1993 and 2003.

    “We wish to keep the area clean and improve the aesthetics to attract tourists,” says Ramesh Paheljan, a member of Bullion Association, which had approached the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) with a proposal for a pedestrian plaza and beautification of the market.

    The BMC is more than happy with the proposal.

    And why not?

    “The entire expenditure will be borne by the association,” says Paheljan. Among other things, the road will be decorated with 300-odd decorative street lamps like those used in olden times. “Zaveri Bazaar is not the only attraction on this road. There are heritage structures on this road, including the Mumbadevi temple.”

    According to Sharad Dalvi, BMC assistant commissioner (C-ward), “From our side, we have begun beautifying Sheikh Memon Road by putting colourful paver blocks, concretising the road and installing dust bins near each shop. Work is scheduled for completion in November. Hawkers will not be allowed on this road.”

NO VEHICLES PLEASE

“The only vehicles allowed will be those of emergency and utility services, including fire brigade, electricity and telephone companies. Loading and unloading of material will be permitted only between 9 pm and 9 am,” Dalvi says.

    Sheikh Memon Road will be concerted into a no-parking zone. Security guards will be deployed at the entrance and exit of the road.

    The proposal is pending before the traffic police.

BEAUTY TIPS

Decorative street lamps Three more urinals will be constructed Steel benches will be installed Regular sweeping

Decorative street lamps will be installed on the road leading to Zaveri Bazaar as part of a plan to beautify the locality

Publication:Mumbai Mirror; Date:Oct 18, 2007; Section:City; Page Number:8

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