Mumbai beaches to be lit up

A proposal by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to install lights on Juhu, Versova, Marwe, Manori and Gorai beaches has been accepted by the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA). Satish Gavai, chairman, MCZMA informed that they have been granted permission to illuminate beaches of western suburbs in Mumbai. Lighting the beaches at night is important as it improves security and avoids untoward incidents like thefts. He said that beautification and cleaning up of the beaches is important, but the security aspect should not be ignored.  As per the project plan, all five beaches are expected to be illuminated by this year end. The work has already begun in Juhu where five lights have been installed. 15 more will be placed by August end so that the entire beach will be lit up. Prashant Gaikwad, assistant municipal commissioner said that once the lighting up of Juhu is complete, work will be done in Versova beach, but the number of lights here will be less as it is a small beach. Citizens are pleased and have appreciated the decision. Afroz Shah, lawyer and Versova resident said that it is extremely important that lights be put up at the beaches it will deter people residing in slums from dumping garbage along the beach at night. Open defecation, as well as open drinking in these areas, can be controlled to a large extent by the beach illumination project.