On 30th June, 2020, a small delegation of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials met with a few members of our community to discuss the relocation of the religious structure – ‘Parsi Gate’ (Marine Drive, South Mumbai) – for the coastal road tunnel work. It will be relocated about a kilometer away from its original place, where the coastal road’s north-bound tunnel is to be constructed. The BMC officials approached community members to note their suggestions or objections. As per news reports, no community members have objected to the move.

Located opposite the famous Taraporevala Aquarium, the Parsi Gate, which is over a century old and is reflective of Persian architecture, is often frequented by community members to offer prayers. As per the plan to reclaim part of seashore for the tunnel, the two Malad stone pillars, which stand at a height of around five-metre on concrete pedestals, will be permanently shifted towards the south of Marine Drive, (opposite Bharat Mahal). 

As per a news report in the Free Press Journal, social activist Zoru Bhathena pointed out that the new proposed location need alterations. “The existing gate is located to the North of Princess Street Flyover – this stretch of Marine Drive has a sandy beach and access to the sea waters. While the proposed location, which is to the south of Princess Street Flyover – this stretch of Marine Drive has Tetrapods, with no access to the sea waters. Hence, along with shifting of the gate, some provision will have to be made to give access to the seawater, such as ramps, piers and set of steps,” he said.

As per a news report in the Free Press Journal, social activist Zoru Bhathena pointed out that the new proposed location needed alterations. “The existing gate is located to the North of Princess Street Flyover – this stretch of Marine Drive has a sandy beach and access to the sea waters. While the proposed location, which is to the south of Princess Street Flyover – this stretch of Marine Drive has Tetrapods, with no access to the sea waters. Hence, along with shifting of the gate, some provision will have to be made to give access to the seawater, such as ramps, piers and set of steps.”

A senior BMC official responded saying that any proposed changes would be considered once the project go on way, further reassuring that they were in touch with community members.