Gateway of India: Mumbai’s Pride Stands Tall, but the Sea Beneath Tells Another Story

The Gateway of India has long been one of Mumbai’s most iconic landmarks. A majestic arch that has watched over the Arabian Sea for more than a century. Every day, thousands of visitors flock to this site to capture its grandeur, soak in the sea breeze, and feel the pulse of the city. It stands as a symbol of Mumbai’s resilience, heritage, and global spirit.

But look beyond the arches and into the waters below, and another story emerges. The sea that once mirrored the monument’s glory now bears the marks of neglect; floating plastic, discarded bottles, and layers of waste that cloud its surface. The contrast is striking: above, a monument of pride; below, a reflection of the city’s growing environmental strain.

This uneasy coexistence of beauty and decay is not unique to Mumbai. Across the world, coastal cities grapple with the same paradox, iconic skylines shadowed by polluted shores. In Mumbai, however, the sight is personal. It’s a reminder that the pride the Gateway inspires must also extendto the waters that cradle it.

Environmental groups and volunteers have been waging an ongoing battle to clean the area. Despite their efforts, the challenge persists. The problem isn’t limited to aesthetics or tourism; it’s about respect for the sea, for the city’s heritage, and for the generations that will inherit both.

If every Mumbaikar made a small change by refusing plastic, avoiding litter, or joining cleanup drives the city’s story could be rewritten. The Gateway of India would then stand not only as a monument to Mumbai’s past, but also as a beacon for its sustainable future shining proudly, both above and below the waves.