This is clear from the fact that the state is reluctant to pay Rs five crore to dry-dock the carrier and repair its hull while the museum project is being developed. Five crore is not a huge sum to raise in India's financial capital. But evidently there were other more pressing demands such as, for example, another monument to Shivaji, this one to cost Rs 70 crore.

The one thing this city does not take kindly to is losing assets to rivals. Remember the uproar when Hyderabad stole the Wharton business school from under Mumbai's nose? The thought that it may be only a matter of time before Gujarat's famous entrepreneurs find the means to acquire the Vikrant might concentrate Mumbai'smind on what could be a profitable venture. The navy on its part could do a little more to sell the idea to the general public. A mini-exhibition on maritime history, perhaps? Throw out ideas on how entertaining the project could become with computerised action and laser lights? Persuade a group of corporate houses to bring out a feasibility report fast? Sentiment apart, the Vikrant should be saved from the junk yard. There's 18,000 tonnes out there waiting to educate, entertain and enrich Mumbai.