Gateway row — Civic chief wants new proposal, minus chandelier

JUNE 23: Municipal commissioner V Ranganathan today said the Heritage Committee has been asked to formulate a new proposal for restoration...

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JUNE 23: Municipal commissioner V Ranganathan today said the Heritage Committee has been asked to formulate a new proposal for restoration of the Gateway of India. He made it clear that the new proposal should not include display of the controversial Baccarat chandelier.

Speaking at a press meet, Ranganathan said, “We have referred the proposal back and asked for a revised proposal. The proposal should also say that access to the public is kept open.” He said hanging the chandelier could damage the structure due to its load, and secondly, even if it were put up by erecting huge tripods there is an apprehension of a risk in case of a collapse or the crash of any of the pieces.

“Ultimately there is a slip between what is theoretically possible and what may happen,” said Ranganathan.

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He added that since the work of restoration would be of a huge magnitude, funds are welcome from all sources. “Everybody should contribute, no matter whether it is an Indian or a foreign institution,” said Ranganathan.

Much controversy has arisen over the issue of restoration of the Gateway of India. It began with the Heritage Committee recommending four corporates, the Taj Group, BNP, Air France and Baccarat for sponsoring the work and adorning it with a chandelier during Diwali. However, several heritage experts felt a heavy chandelier will further damage and deface the monument.