Mumbai's dhobi ghat on tourist map !

lonelyaztec

Mumbai's Dhobi Ghat could now be on the city's tourist map.

For years' visitors have flocked to the spot attracted by sights and sounds of dhobis washing, drying and ironing clothes. Now, the civic authorities plan to promote it as a tourist site.

The sight, which is surrounded by filth, overflowing drains and old buildings, is one of Mumbai's best-loved tourist spots.

The dhobi ghat where the city's traditional launderers provide a much valued service of washing dirty clothes and ironing them for a meager fee.

Whether it is tour operators or dedicated websites, the dhobi ghat figures prominently in Mumbai city guides and is a fascinating photo opportunity for thousands of visitors.

"Everyday crowds come to visit the dhobi ghat. By developing it we hope more people will come and this will also mean more earnings for the BMC," said Mangal Bhanushali, Chairman, Health Committee, BMC.

Clean up act

Right now the dhobi ghat is a mess, most visitors don't venture close preferring to watch from a distance.

Those who work here say because of the filth and smell many tourists who come with high expectations are turned off.

"Most visitors prefer to watch the ghat from the bridge. And even when they do come down they see the filth and leave immediately," said Pannalal Kanauji, a dhobi.

Before the civic authority can attract any foreigners to the uniquely tourist attraction it will have to improve living conditions and clean up their act.

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