Contractors show little interest in laser fountain

Mumbaikars have to wait a little longer if they want to see musical and laser fountain shows in city lakes on the lines of Dubai Mall or Ambey Valley. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s plans to start such fountains at Powai Lake have not succeeded due to lack of response from contractors.

According to civic officials, in spite of postponing the tender date as many as four times, no contractor has come forward to implement the project of musical and laser fountain shows at Powai Lake.

A musical fountain is a type of animated fountain for entertainment purposes that create three-dimensional aesthetic images, which is achieved by employing the effects of timed sound waves and laser lights against water particles. The water refracts and reflects the light, and in doing so, produces three-dimensional images. The fountains are a huge draw for people at tourist spots.

The proposal to set up musical and laser fountain shows was mooted by BJP MLA and corporator Ameet Satam. He said, “The musical and laser fountain shows at the Dubai Mall in Dubai, Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad and at Sahara Ambey Valley are very popular among tourists for their spectacular views. The BMC should start musical and laser fountain shows in city lakes to promote tourism.”

However, the BMC’s efforts to start musical fountains at Powai Lake have come cropper so far due to contractor’s lack of response.

Civic officials said that the BMC, in 2011, had appointed M/s Darashaw as a consultant to start the laser show at Powai lake on a design, build, management, operate and maintenance basis. Based on their suggestions, e-tenders were invited in February 2014 for the work. However, despite postponing the tender date four times, there has been no response from contractors.