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Journalism of Courage
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to revamp the two rusty watchtowers in the Arabian Sea. These watchtowers were erected in 1991 to guide fishermen, marine vessels and sailors. Located in the sea’s shallow waters near Worli, the two towers, known as ‘Dolphin Towers’, have been operating round the clock.
Worli also houses the Worli Koliwada, a hamlet where the fisherfolk anchor their boats. The BMC also has its Lovegrove pumping station in Worli, and with the help of this watchtower, the authorities warn the sailors to maintain a safe distance from the outfall of the pumping station. The towers are two vertical columns having a pentagonal platform on the top. There is a metal ladder in the tower, helping officials to climb.
Since the towers are located in the sea, the structures have corroded over the past few decades due to rust. Civic officials said the ladders and the railings at the top had been covered with rust, weakening the structure.
The renovation will include the installation of rust-resistant ladders and railings in the tower and its painting to ensure the body remains corrosion free. The civic body will also install solar panels in the tower to illuminate it.
Civic officials said a tender for the renovation would be floated, following which a contractor would be appointed. The civic officials said the installation would likely be carried out post-monsoon.
“The structures like the new ladders and railings will be mostly fabricated structures, which we will construct in a workshop and install in the tower. The installation and painting works will take place mostly after the monsoon and in periods when there would be low tide,” said an official.
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