Now, weekends could be a little more exciting for Mumbaikars as the Tourism Ministry has plans to gift them with their very own Santorini. On Wednesday, the Ministry gave the go-ahead to an island project near Mumbai.
With breathtaking views of the Arabian seas, with a slice of the historic past, the Kanhoji Angre Island, which is 23 kilometres from the Gateway of India, which was open to the public by the State Tourism Department in April this year, will also get a new jetty to soak in all the magic.
Union Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi sanctioned about Rs5 crore for a jetty, a small reception centre and for washroom facilities at the island, which has 16th century fortifications all around and old cannons. The island also houses a 60-feet lighthouse.
The Kanhoji Angre Island, which is situated opposite the fishing port Thal in Alibaug district, was formerly known as Khanderi Island but renamed in 1998, on the 125th anniversary of the Mumbai Port Trust, in honour of Kanhoji Angre, a commander of the Maratha Navy. From 1708 till his death, he went down in history books fighting against the British, Dutch and Portuguese Naval forces to protect regions between Mumbai and Vengurla.
“We want it be India’s first new seaside resort after 1947. Bombayites can stay in tents as buildings not allowed at night after the last ship has left and party there undisturbed. They will have the 30-40 acre island to themselves,” said an official from the Ministry unwilling to be named.
“We also plan to pump in more funds to develop this island further. Although no new constructions will be allowed, we will fund the restoration of the fortifications and the lighthouse. The jetty alone will give Mumbaikars a new getaway,” said the official.
Earlier this year, the Maharashtra had also announced the development plans for the island, where they proposed a museum and amphitheatre, which would host light and laser shows. The State Tourism Department had said that that the development plans included re-using the existing structures, without any building any new concrete structures. They are also working on guided heritage tours to help tourists go around the island and along the fort walls.
