Mumbai: Work begins on Elephanta seawall, to be ready in 2 years

Work began on the Elephant protective wall on Monday; the island’s cave temples, carved out of rock, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site

To save it from soil erosion and rising waters, the Gharapuri Island, popularly known as Elephanta, will get a 3.2-km-long wall. The structure will have a walkaway for tourists as well as slope protection.

Locals had been demanding a retaining wall for more than two decades.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), which started the work on Monday, will bear the construction cost estimated at '37.5 crore. It is expected to be ready in two years, said officials.

The island is spread over 16 square kilometre and comes under the jurisdiction of Raigad district. Its cave temples, carved out of rock, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearly 1,200 people live in its three villages - Shet bander, Raj bander and Mora bander.

The villagers had been demanding a seawall at the western side of the island to protect it from soil erosion and sudden rise in water level due to consistent heavy traffic of ships to JNPT.

The project got delayed due to objections raised by the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority. In July 2020, MCZMA had allowed the construction but, within one month, again sought clarification from JNPT. Work started after JNPT addressed its queries.

"Like many other villagers, I have witnessed the extent of damage caused to the island in the last 3 to 4 decades due to rising water levels. The demand for a seawall is two decades old. Finally, we are witnessing its construction," told Baliram Thakur, sarpanch of Gharapuri.

The roadway on the wall will be 3.2-metre wide and have a height of 15 to 20 feet.