[Jai]

Someting waaaaaay overdue. Good on 'em.

Construction a drain on resources

DNA Epaper 24 Apr

MTDC to convert area into tourist district, Heritage Society to restore the 11 temples

Smita Deshmukh



The 12th century Banganga Tank in Walkeshwar, one of leading listed monuments under the state archaeology department is up for restoration. While the state archaeology department would get Rs2.5 crore from the Centre to conserve the historic tank, different agencies are pitching in for the total overhaul of the precinct in a rare show of partnership. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is working to convert the precinct a tourist district, Indian Heritage Society planning to restore the 11 temples spread around the tank and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) undertaking the roads and drainage work.

“Restoration of the ghat will begin soon, which would involve the strengthening of the basalt rock. We have cleared the rectangular tank of all water and the clean-up would begin soon,” informed Bhushan Gagrani, secretary, cultural affairs. Also holding the dual charge as managing director, MTDC, Gagrani is eager to convert the precinct into a tourist district. “We want it on the tourist map of Mumbai. In fact, we are seeking to acquire a small plot in the precinct belonging to the BMC, which would be converted into a resource centre,” added Gagrani.

With the 13 temples in the precinct are owned by the private trusts, the toughest job belongs to the Indian Heritage Society (IHS), which is overlooking its restoration. “After we restored the Rameshwar temple the response has been positive from the trusts as well as individual donors. We will soon start work on the Ganesh temple,” explained Anita Garware, chairperson, IHS.

The unique aspect of Banganga is that it is pre-British era, pointed out Garware. “Unfortunately, only the Gothic architecture in Mumbai is talked about and conserved. But dynasties like Silhara, Yadav too made an imprint on the city and I’m glad we are restoring one such Silhara monument,” she added.

The BMC, on the other hand, has undertaken the task of repairs of the parikrama road, which would be strengthened by using interlocking tiles.

Drains and other underground utilities would be checked along with illegal structures, which have mushroomed along the monument.

“The cleanliness of the tank is a huge responsibility as the littering along barbers working along the tank throwing shaved off hair in the water. We would also build public toilet,” informed R A Rajeev, additional municipal commissioner (city).