The Bandra Bandstand Fort Garden, a 17th-century Portuguese-built fort, reopened on October 7 after a ₹18 crore renovation by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The reopening has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Critics, including former journalist Vidyadhar Date, argue the renovation has stripped the fort of its heritage character, with excessive concreting replacing lush greenery.

Former Corporator Asif Zakaria also expressed concerns about the loss of natural space and environmental implications. In contrast local MLA Ashish Shelar defended the project, stating that it enhances both accessibility and sustainability with walkways and amphitheatres, without compromising the greenery.

However, many residents remain unconvinced, expressing concerns over the loss of natural charm and the excessive use of concrete.

• BMC spent ₹18 crore revamping Bandra Bandstand Fort and garden

• Critics say the renovation erased the fort's heritage character

• Former journalist Vidyadhar Date says plastered wall erased fort's history

• Concerns arise over concrete replacing the garden's greenery

• Ashish Shelar claims that no greenery was removed, cites improved access

• BMC says upgrades boost usability, protect coastal ecology

• Asif Zakaria is calling the space "unsightly"

• BMC stands by redesign despite complaints, citing improved accessibility

• Residents fear loss of history and nature