Mumbai During COVID-19 Lockdown – Fresh as a Flower!
Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, is a Megapolis, with the highest population density amongst the cities in the country. With over 32,000 people per sq. km., it steals a march over Kolkata (Pop. Density: over 24,000), and Delhi (Pop. Density: just a shade under 20,000). With people crawling every inch of space, this heritage-rich city aches to flaunt its beauty.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic brought the geographies and economies across the globe to a grinding halt. While it affected humanity at large, a silver lining was it brought out the glorious character of Mumbai. A character seldom seen in recent times.
I was fortunate I could click some memorable images of this persona of Mumbai during the current lockdown. When I shared some of these images with Mumbaikars, their eyes glossed over with nostalgia as they remembered the Mumbai of earlier times, when the city was not overflowing with people, and its beauty, apparent.
To evoke that feeling of wistful remembrance, I bring these images to you in B&W. Savour the beauty of a city that has for long worn layers of unwanted make-up that made even the locals forget what a glorious city it always was. I present – Mumbai During COVID-19 Lockdown!
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), earlier called Victoria Terminus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its baroque façade with superlative craftsmanship is stunning. In normal times, these roads are utterly crowded with pedestrians rubbing shoulders with motley traffic of cars, buses, and more. The lockdown brought out its stature, and the calm it exudes!
The Asiatic Society of Mumbai
The Asiatic Society of Mumbai (or colloquially, the Asiatic Library) building was completed in 1833 and holds over 100,000 books (15,000 of these, classified as rare), 3,000 manuscripts in Persian, Sanskrit, and Prakrit, almost 12,000 rare coins (including a few gold coins from different eras), and 1,300 maps. Many popular scenes from the movies have been shot on its imposing staircase. And its neoclassical architecture with an empty road in front makes this sprawling building look unified and compact.
Flora Fountain
Completed in 1864, Flora Fountain at Hutatma Chowk costed £9,000 (Today’s value: £115 Mn) in those days. It is located at the exact spot where the Church Gate to the fort was. One of the busiest crossings in Mumbai, with its plaza milling with pedestrians usually, the lockdown gave the breathing space this elegant structure deserves.
The Gateway of India
Built to commemorate the landing of King George V and Empress Mary, the Gateway of India was completed in 1924. Today, it has become the icon of Mumbai. Popular both amongst the locals and the visitors, it is usual to find it infested with hawkers, sightseers, and photographers. Seeing no one here during the lockdown, I almost felt the city had been abandoned!
The Old and the New Taj
I turned around to take a look at another set of icons from Mumbai, the old and the new Taj. Yet again, the surroundings bore a deserted look, while the buildings looked stately.
Marine Drive
Marine Drive or the Queen’s Necklace is packed with vehicles on normal days. During the lockdown, I could actually see the asphalt surface of this gorgeous boulevard.
Marshall Building
The Baroque style Marshall Building, a domed structure from 1905 AD, is located at an unusually busy traffic crossing in Mumbai’s Fort area. This tranquil moment makes you wonder if the zebra crossing is even necessary!
First World War Memorial
First World War Memorial with the Darabshaw House and the Ballard Pier gate in the background. ‘Are these roads required?’, I wondered, since there was not a soul in sight!
Bandra-Worli Sealink
Bandra-Worli Sealink, completed in 2009-10, reduced the travel time between the western suburbs and Worli from 25-30 minutes to 10. Considering there is not a vehicle in sight, I am sure the time to travel would have been further reduced by half!
Mount Mary Church
On normal days, getting a clear view of Mount Mary Church is just not possible. But then, lockdown accorded me a perfect view!
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Building
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Building is across the road from CSMT. On normal days, focussed on the chaotic traffic, you fail to admire its grand façade.
A nicely composed and informative article about mumbai during covid 19 ! keep sharing !
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