This is an archive article published on October 3, 2022
BMC to set up expert panel to clear themes for makeover of bridges
The panel would comprise five key members, including a senior official of the rank of a deputy municipal commissioner (DMC) who would chair this committee along with engineers from the bridges department, heritage cell and a member of the JJ School of Arts.
Written by Pratip Acharya
Mumbai | October 3, 2022 03:31 AM IST
3 min read
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As per the existing norms, if any NGOs or independent artists’ forums express their interest in creating murals or artwork on bridges, they have to approach the local ward office. Following this, the ward office facilitates permission from the bridges department. (File)
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), for the first time ever, will put together an expert advisory panel for approving themes for murals, paintings, artworks and graffiti on the existing bridges of the city. Civic officials said the panel is being formed as a precautionary measure to prevent people drawing or making paintings or graffiti on bridges, which risks downgrading the beauty of the existing structures or hurting the sentiments of citizens belonging to a particular community. The panel would comprise five key members, including a senior official of the rank of a deputy municipal commissioner (DMC) who would chair this committee along with engineers from the bridges department, heritage cell and a member of the JJ School of Arts. Senior officials said the frequency of the committee meetings will be decided after its formation.
“Over the past 5-6 years, we have seen independent artists doing artwork and paintings in various places of the city. Many of these paintings reflect the mood and history of the neighbourhood. We want the bridges to be decked up similarly. There are so many bridges like Hancock and Carnac that have a history of more than 100 years. We need to carefully restore their heritage. Therefore, having the themes analysed by experts before giving the project a go-ahead is important so that the mood of that area or the history of the structure gets reflected in the artwork,” said a BMC official .
As per the existing norms, if any NGOs or independent artists’ forums express their interest in creating murals or artwork on bridges, they have to approach the local ward office. Following this, the ward office facilitates permission from the bridges department. At times, the BMC, on its own, approaches artists and NGOs for several beautification projects in the city. While the artists need to present a blueprint of the theme of their artwork before implementing them, there is no dedicated panel to scrutinise the designs. The Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) hears proposals regarding beautification, repairworks and development of listed heritage structures but cannot take any decisions on setting up new artworks at public spaces.
P Velrasu, additional municipal commissioner (Projects) who has initiated the formation of this committee, said, “The bridges of Mumbai are a key part of the city’s infrastructure. There are many such bridges and flyovers which are more than 100 years old and are a part of the city’s heritage. We need to be very careful about the artworks that would come up on these structures. The panel will comprise both artists and engineers who will share their knowledge in analysing themes for the graffiti before giving the final nod to the design,” Velrasu said.
Pratip Acharya is a seasoned journalist based in Mumbai reporting for The Indian Express. With a career spanning over a decade, his work demonstrates strong Expertise and Authority in critical urban issues, civic affairs, and electoral politics across Eastern and Western India.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express (IE), reporting from Mumbai.
Core Authority: Pratip's reporting focuses sharply on local democracy and development, specializing in:
Urban Governance and Civic Affairs: Providing in-depth analysis of municipal decision-making, city planning, and local infrastructure, essential for informed urban reporting.
City Politics and Environment: Covering the political dynamics of Mumbai and surrounding areas, alongside critical environmental challenges impacting the metro region.
Electoral Coverage (High-Stakes Experience): He has extensive experience in high-stakes political reporting, having covered major elections, establishing his Trustworthiness in political analysis:
National: Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019.
State: West Bengal Assembly elections in 2016 and Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2019.
Major Assignments (Ground Reporting): Pratip demonstrated commitment during crises by conducting ground reporting throughout the Covid-19 pandemic since its breakout in 2020, offering first-hand accounts and analysis of the public health crisis.
Experience
Extensive Experience: Starting his career in 2014, Pratip has built his foundation across multiple prominent English dailies:
Started at The Times of India in Kolkata (2014).
Relocated to Mumbai (2016) and worked with The Free Press Journal and Hindustan Times before joining The Indian Express.
Pratip Acharya's diverse experience across major publications, coupled with his specialized focus on the intricate details of urban governance and a track record of covering major electoral and health crises, establishes him as a trusted and authoritative source for news from India's critical metropolitan centres. ... Read More
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