Replica of charkha at Cross Maidan

“It represents self sufficiency,sustainability and hardwork,” he said.

During the beautification project,which would be completed by December-end,3.7 acres of Cross Maidan will be converted into a recreational park with a jogging track,children’s play area and a variety of trees like peltophorum,champa etc. To insulate the maidan from the busy Veer Nariman Road,there will be a buffer zone of gulmohar trees on the southern edge.

“Apart from the garden at Horniman Circle,there is no open space in the area where citizens can go for a walk or spend time. To have such a place in the midst of the bustling Churchgate area will be a great relief to citizens,especially office-goers,” said Shireen Bharucha,trustee of the Oval Trust that has already renovated Oval Maidan.

Other facilities at the park will include a labyrinth made in Shahbad stone,seating arrangements and patches of sand pavings for children to play. Like Oval Maidan,Cross Maidan will also have ornamental iron gates and fencing. A circular paved area has been earmarked to organise circus and other events.

The beautification plan submitted by NGO Oval Trust was approved by the civic body’s Mumbai Urban Heritage Conservation Committee in 2005. “Because of reasons like encroachment by hawkers and BMC’s pipeline laying project,the plan has been delayed for long. However,around 60% of the renovation work has been completed and it will soon be open to public,” said Nayana Kathpalia of Oval Trust.

As many as 100 illegal shops occupying 2,000 square-yards of Cross Maidan,which falls under the heritage precinct,were razed by collector’s office on Saturday to make the land available for the beautification project.