Mumbai Tourism: Four Telescopes At Pramod Navalkar Viewing Gallery Found Covered During FPJ Visit, BMC Says Operational

Mumbai's Pramod Navalkar Viewing Gallery had four telescopes covered during a recent visit by the Free Press Journal, despite the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) claiming they were operational, according to a report. The gallery, inaugurated in October 2018, provides panoramic views of Mumbai's coastline, including Marine Drive, the Queen’s Necklace, Chowpatty, Mumbai Harbour, and the Arabian Sea.

Sumit Gaud, a tourist from Bhandup, expressed his disappointment, stating that he had visited the gallery three times in recent months and found the telescopes covered each time, along with the nature trail being closed. Sumit Gaud's experience aligns with multiple visitors who have encountered the same issue. The BMC sub-engineer Tadavi maintained that the telescopes were operational, possibly covered temporarily during lunch breaks by staff.

However, some sources point to a shortage of staff as the reason behind the situation. The nearby elevated nature trail, which opened in March 2025, has remained closed since June 2026, following a branch of a century-old tree falling onto it. While Tadavi mentioned that the civil department was undertaking repairs, official confirmation of a reopening by January remains unconfirmed.

Visitors have questioned the BMC's priorities, citing the prolonged closure of the attraction. Local resident Prakash Munshi expressed his astonishment at the BMC's actions, questioning the environment minister's focus and suggesting that ministers prioritize builders over environmental concerns.