In an effort to attract tourists, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to set up replicas of all the Seven Wonders of the World at the Joseph Baptista Garden in south Mumbai.
Conceptualised by former Municipal corporator Yamini Jadhav, the project is now being implemented under the auspices of her husband and Shiv Sena’s leader of the House in the BMC Yashwant Jadhav.
The replicas of all the Seven Wonders of the World will be installed at the 133-year-old Joseph Baptista Garden, named after a freedom fighter, located at Mazagaon's Bhandrawada Hill.
The garden, owned by the BMC, is an oasis of greenery in the midst of a concrete jungle. It is a popular spot for tourists who can get a bird’s eye view of Mumbai. The garden also attracts students of nearby schools to study in the peaceful environs, on a hillock of more than 100 feet height, spread across nearly 550,000 sq. feet.
Giving the details of the project, Sena’s group leader in BMC Yashwant Jadhav said: “ In the coming months, we intend to install replicas of Seven Wonders of World at the Joseph Baptista Garden which will definitely change the landscape of south Mumbai”.
Built in 1884, Joseph Baptista Garden is one of the oldest gardens in the city. With fruit trees, flowers, and plants of different species, small artificial waterfalls, the garden provides a peaceful ambience for visitors in the heart of the concrete jungle surrounding it, and offers a staggering panoramic view of the city.
The replicas that are expected to come up will include: the Statue of Christ The Redeemer (Brazil), State of liberty (USA), leaning Tower of Pisa and The Colosseum (both, Italy), Eiffel Tower (France), Chichen Itza Pyramid (Mexico) and the Taj Mahal of India.