Elephanta facilities to be upgraded

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced a Rs 10-crore grant for the revival of this World Heritage Site, particularly to lay an undersea electric cable. This is the first such experiment in the state. Metropolitan commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad said the state had approved the allocation of the grant. Other aspects for developing the islands were being worked out, he added. The beauty of the scenic Gharapuri island and its age-old civilisation is an added attraction at Elephanta. The MMRDA plans to provide recreational facilities like amphitheatres, eateries, and trendy boats to take the tourists around the isles. The MMRDA expects the revamp exercise to be completed within three years. Better power supply, enclosed pathways, landscaping, a mechanism to keep the site garbage and plastic-free, renovated jetties and shelters are on the cards for the islands