It's a makeover for Juhu beach

Located 18-km north of the city centre, any Mumbai guide would seem incomplete without a mention of Juhu Beach. This beach is often described as attractive, beautiful... but never referred to as clean and litter-free.

However, this was the case until last year August. The Juhu Beach beautification project directed by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) got the thumbs up from the Mumbai High Court to clear and clean the space.

At an estimated project cost close to Rs 3 crore, Mhada has already removed encroachments and cleared 7,000 square meters of the beach.

This free space will soon be developed into a garden and other recreation centres. The Juhu Beach beautification drive isn't just about clearing up the space. The aim is also to keep the beach clean and free of all possible litter.

This cleanliness drive begins at five 'o' clock in the morning and goes on till midnight. Split in shifts of two, the cleaning truck is seen doing its job on the beach every two hours. The truck driver points out that the cleaning has become easier as the eating stalls have now all been moved to one section of the beach; unlike before when the stalls were spread along one long stretch of the beach."

Known for its food stalls, the visitor's main attraction is the city's favourite chaat with food items like bhelpuri, paanipuri and pav bhaji . These stalls, which were the most important part of the beach, have been totally sidelined.

In fact, people wonder if the stalls still exist. Drive down Juhu Beach road, and you will mark this difference "" you can now actually see the beach and not the brightly lit stalls. The food stalls have been reduced to three-fourth of their original size (12 x 14 sq feet) and pushed to one corner of the beach. Clearing these stalls was a major part of the beautification drive.

However, though the number of stalls remains the same "" 80 "" the stall owners are upset with their new size and location.

"Our business has reduced by 50 per cent, as people do not want to walk up all the way to one corner of the beach. And even if they do, there is no place for them to sit and have their snacks. So, most orders are take-away and these are usually limited." says Girish Joshi, stall owner.

But for people who enjoy a fancier meal, Juhu Beach has plenty to offer "" a wide variety of cuisine and a clean and splendid view.

Says Raman Macker, co-owner, Aurus, a restaurant situated alongside Juhu Beach, "There has been a noticeable difference in the surroundings. The clean environment only increases the appeal and adds to the ambience of the restaurant as customers can now enjoy a clean view, free of garbage."

Even with the new change, one can still spot the regulars at Juhu Beach "" the vendors, the masseurs, the barbers and the photographers. But, visitors still miss the merry-go-round, giant wheel and the performing monkey.

However, they are not complaining and are only hoping that the sea water, too, someday will be clean enough for them to at least wet their feet!