Versova (Mumbai)

Versova (Marathi: वर्सोवा समुद्र किनारा) is an upmarket neighbourhood in the Andheri area of northern Mumbai. It is located at 19°7'60N 72°47'60E and is known for its beach and the Versova Fort. It was part of the Portuguese empire up to 1739, when the Portuguese lost this part of their empire to the Marathas.

Versova beach

Vesawe is the original name of the village, which derives from the Marathi word for "rest"; Chatrapati Shivaji Raje would bring his navy here to rest between battles. The beach faces the Arabian Sea. A large population of Mumbai's fishing community, the Kolis, reside at one end of Versova beach. Fishing is the primary industry in this area.

Unlike the Marine Drive, which is guarded by tetrapods, Versova beach uses massive rocks to buffer the buildings from the waves. During high tide, the entire beach goes under water, hence there are no permanent structures on the beach, nor any legal inhabitants.

Over the past few years, there have been attempts by local citizens and the BMC to improve the condition of the beach. The Save Versova Beach Association was formed for the purpose, but the beach still lacks basic facilities such as lifeguards, which are critical considering the treacherous waters here.

See also

• Versova Fort

References

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