Thane : The Masunda lake precincts is set for a complete revamp with a transparent glass walkway to replace the age-old paver block path that circles around this 'Jewel of Thane'. The civic administration and the public space designers are believed to be working on a plan which will not give a 'modern look' to the city's landmark but will also widen the road and decongest the bustling street.
The initial discussion on the renovation plans was aimed to upgrade the waterfront by demolishing a part of the existing 4.5m-wide walkway by 1.5m adjoining the lake for over 300 mts.
"The new walkway will be 1.5 m wide over the Masunda lake bank and will have a 1m steel barricade alongside. The entire 300m stretch of the walkway from Ajramarji junction to Jambli naka will have a transparent floor made of toughened glass for pedestrians to get a feel of walking over water, informed officials," a senior civic bureaucrat told TOI.
He added that the Masunda lake is one of the most vibrant public space here and in spite of the traffic chaos and the vehicular pollution, the citizens of all ages prefer to spend quality time with their friends and dear ones.
"It will be a totally modern pathway with a glass flooring and strategically placed LED lights to give it a very classy look," he said, adding that the adjoining motorway will be widened to create more space for easy movement of vehicles.
The walkway would be illuminated with LED lights at night. The civic official said the project was approved by the general body of the municipal corporation in 2017 as part of lake beautification and the process of floating tenders will take off soon.
He said the initial estimate is that the beautification project would cost around Rs 7 crores and the turnaround time will be around eight months.
Meanwhile, environment experts have reacted sharply on this plans and claimed that this infringement could disturb the marine life.
"Why is the administration bent on disturbing the sanctity of the lake premises in the city? The presence of pedestrians above the water surface will disturb the marine life inside the lake and illuminating it at night will further hamper their existence. The corporation should think of some other options than just adding on to the concrete jungle," said an environment activist.
The civic officials, however, dismissed any damage to the ecosystem in the lake as the structure would be cantilever and no physical infringement with the lake will be allowed. "We are ensuring the lake premises will not be touched or the marine life inside will not be affected. We have floated tenders for the same. Trees on this stretch will not be affected," assured a civic official.
The initial discussion on the renovation plans was aimed to upgrade the waterfront by demolishing a part of the existing 4.5m-wide walkway by 1.5m adjoining the lake for over 300 mts.
"The new walkway will be 1.5 m wide over the Masunda lake bank and will have a 1m steel barricade alongside. The entire 300m stretch of the walkway from Ajramarji junction to Jambli naka will have a transparent floor made of toughened glass for pedestrians to get a feel of walking over water, informed officials," a senior civic bureaucrat told TOI.
He added that the Masunda lake is one of the most vibrant public space here and in spite of the traffic chaos and the vehicular pollution, the citizens of all ages prefer to spend quality time with their friends and dear ones.
"It will be a totally modern pathway with a glass flooring and strategically placed LED lights to give it a very classy look," he said, adding that the adjoining motorway will be widened to create more space for easy movement of vehicles.
The walkway would be illuminated with LED lights at night. The civic official said the project was approved by the general body of the municipal corporation in 2017 as part of lake beautification and the process of floating tenders will take off soon.
He said the initial estimate is that the beautification project would cost around Rs 7 crores and the turnaround time will be around eight months.
Meanwhile, environment experts have reacted sharply on this plans and claimed that this infringement could disturb the marine life.
"Why is the administration bent on disturbing the sanctity of the lake premises in the city? The presence of pedestrians above the water surface will disturb the marine life inside the lake and illuminating it at night will further hamper their existence. The corporation should think of some other options than just adding on to the concrete jungle," said an environment activist.
The civic officials, however, dismissed any damage to the ecosystem in the lake as the structure would be cantilever and no physical infringement with the lake will be allowed. "We are ensuring the lake premises will not be touched or the marine life inside will not be affected. We have floated tenders for the same. Trees on this stretch will not be affected," assured a civic official.
Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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