Makarand Narwekar Urges BMC to Shift Lion Gate Toilet Underground in Kala Ghoda
BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar has written to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, urging the civic body to relocate the above-ground Lion Gate 'Aspirational Toilet' and two adjoining Solid Waste Management (SWM) chowkies underground to clear the footpath in Kala Ghoda.
Narwekar stated that the presence of the above-ground facilities obstructs pedestrian movement, conflicting with the BMC's stated 'Pedestrian First' policy. He noted that the civic administration had previously proposed creating a 0.9- to 1.5-metre-wide footpath at the site, but the plan was never implemented.
Shifting the toilet and the SWM chowkies underground would free up space along the Kala Ghoda footpath, enhance safety for pedestrians, and eliminate visual clutter within the heritage precinct, Narwekar noted. He recommended retaining only a minimal and aesthetically designed structure at ground level.
"As we have successfully pedestrianised Kala Ghoda and are working towards similar changes at Regal Junction, an underground toilet with a wooden-slatted pavilion and arched, textured roof would suit the area," Narwekar said. He added that with an acre-sized pedestrian plaza coming up nearby, there is no room for visual eyesores in the neighbourhood.
Around Rs 1.65 crore was spent on constructing the Lion Gate facility. Narwekar alleged that the existing setup compromises pedestrian movement and contradicts Supreme Court directions regarding keeping public footpaths clear. He further pointed out that the site falls within the UNESCO heritage conservation buffer zone, demanding careful, heritage-sensitive planning.
The demand comes as the wider 'Aspirational Toilet' project across Mumbai faces official scrutiny over alleged irregularities. During the July 2025 Assembly session, BJP Mumbai president and MLA Amit Satam and other legislators raised concerns regarding the scheme. Following these objections, Industries Minister Uday Samant ordered a stay on construction work pending an inquiry into the matter.
