Bridge over troubled waters

By: Varun Singh
November 25th, 2007

Concern Mumbai, an organisation that looks after the beautification of heritage structures in the city, is angry with the BSP for spoiling the beauty of Ollivant Bridge. Concern slogged for more than half a year to get the permission for the beautification of the bridge and spent Rs 3 lakh on the bridge, which was in a pitiable condition. Concern repaired the walls of the bridge and painted it yellow with the money collected from the members but now is hurt as all its effort have gone in vain.

“It hurts to see the bridge in blue because Concern has literally slogged for more than six months to get the permission and to collect the money for the beautification of Ollivant Bridge and the BSP activists spoiled the beauty of the bridge in less than one day,” said Abuzar Zakir, chairman of Concern Mumbai.

Zakir has drafted a letter to the BMC’s Assistant Municipal Commissioner of the E ward asking for immediate action. “We want Mayawati to come on an elephant and clean the whole bridge. The people behind this deed should be punished and be heavily fined,” said Zakir.

Prakash Patil, Assistant Commissioner of the E ward when contacted said, “BSP is colouring the whole city blue and the same has been done to the Ollivant Bridge. However, I would be only able to look in the matter on Monday as I am on leave.”

The BSP is in denial about colouring the bridge blue and blames the opposition for spreading rumours. Mukesh Kumar Masoom, leader, Mumbai BSP said, “No office bearer is behind the painting of the Ollivant Bridge. We have not done anything of this sort. It has to be the opposition or someone who fears the growth of BSP.”