The iconic yellow bulbs on the Marine Drive, the court suggests, adds a heritage value to the city.
Mumbaikars are delighted at the prospect of their city getting back its 'golden' Queen's Necklace -- the yellow sodium bulbs on Marine Drive. But the ruling BJP is not so certain. A party lawmaker said in absence of a definitive order, the high court's suggestion may not be implemented.
In January, the BJP, through a central scheme, had replaced the yellow bulbs with energy saving white LED lights. But last week, while hearing a petition easing traffic congestion, the Bombay High Court weighed in on whether the city's iconic coastal road should be bathed in yellow or white.
"The Queen's necklace is the pride of Mumbai. Why don't you bring back the sodium vapour lamps?" Chief Justice Mohit Shah had suggested to the Municipal Body.
The BJP, however, insists there is no going back. Party legislator Ashish Shelar told NDTV, "It is only a suggestion by the High Court. In the absence of a definitive order, no such decision will be implemented".
The replacement of the earlier yellow bulbs with white had been a political flashpoint between the ruling BJP and alliance partner Shiv Sena. While the BJP insisted that the white lamps were energy efficient and bring down electricity bills by half, the Sena argued that they have stripped the city of its old-world charm.
With the Bombay High Court siding with the Sena, Yuva Sena Chief Aaditya Thackeray tweeted:
Sena Mouthpiece Saama has earlier accused the BJP government of irregularities in the procurement of LED lamps, alleging that benefits were passed on to a private company. The BJP has refuted the allegations.
"The EESL is not a private contractor. It is a Public Sector Undertaking," said Mr Shelar. "Work is not being done by private companies. Those who are alleging that are ignorant and don't know what's happening."
The people, meanwhile, have hailed the court's suggestion. "The yellow lights had a certain heritage value that I feel is important to preserve. They were brighter, and made us feel much safer," said Kritika Gupta, a student.