The historic August Kranti Maidan from where Mahatma Gandhi had given the call for the Quit India movement on August 8, 1942, is undergoing a massive revamp. The works include beautification of the ground, a 2-km-long freedom trail pathway and mural art. But, the heavy rains have delayed some of the work, said the civic officials.
August Kranti Maidan, earlier known as Gowalia Tank Maidan, is located at Tardeo in south Mumbai. It's a heritage precinct from where Mahatma Gandhi spoke on August 8, giving a clarion call to the British to quit India. Keeping in mind its historical significance, the civic body has divided the revamp project into two phases.
Earlier, the BMC had decided to complete all the phase I works by August 15, Independence Day. “The work was slowed down due to heavy rains. We are constructing a pathway to walk around the open space, which was delayed due to a downpour,” said the senior civic official.
Speaking about the work progress, he said that the gate building has been started while work on the compound wall is completed. The footpath outside the ground perimeter is created by using basalt stone to restore the vintage outlook of the garden while the macadam track has been created on the ground's periphery, he added.
In the second phase, a 2-km-long freedom trail pathway, starting from outside the maidan and going all the way to Girgaon Chowpatty, will be constructed. Also, a committee has been appointed for creating the mural, which will be designed as per their recommendations, said the official from the BMC's heritage department. The civic body had earlier planned to finish the project by August this year. Now, it's expected to be completed by January 2023.
