The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a showcause notice to the contractor responsible for damaging the steps of the historic Banganga Tank in Mumbai. The contractor employed an excavator for desilting operations, which led to the damage of the centuries-old structure.
Initially, the sludge and sediments from the tank were being removed manually. However, on June 24, the contractor deployed an excavator from the northern end of the tank, leading to the destruction of some steps. This action prompted the BMC to immediately halt the desilting work and lodge an FIR against the contractor.
Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani announced that the remaining desilting operations will now be conducted manually to prevent further damage to the tank’s structure. “We will replace the contractor to ensure that the sludge is removed manually from the bed of the water body,” stated Gagrani.
On Thursday morning, Gagrani inspected the Banganga Tank to assess the restoration progress of the damaged steps, which is being handled by the local ward office. “We have issued a notice to the contractor and sought an explanation for the deployment of an excavator inside the tank. The remaining sludge removal will be done manually to avoid further damage,” said a local civic official.
Besides removing the sludge, the BMC is also undertaking the cleaning of the ‘Deepstambhs’ within the tank’s periphery. These structures, along with the tank itself, hold significant historical and cultural value. Located in the upscale Walkeshwar neighbourhood of South Mumbai, the Banganga Tank dates back to the 12th century and is protected as a heritage site by the Maharashtra Archaeological Department. The steps of the tank were constructed with black basalt stones, and the ‘Deepastambhs’ were made using lime plaster and bricks.
Listed as a Grade-I Heritage Site, the Banganga Tank is one of Mumbai’s last remaining natural water bodies. Despite its proximity to the Arabian Sea, the tank is known for its freshwater storage, and it finds mention in the epic Ramayana.
The BMC’s swift action highlights the importance of preserving heritage structures and the need for careful planning in maintenance operations. The use of heavy machinery in such sensitive areas underscores the necessity for contractors to adhere to guidelines that ensure the protection of historical sites. The BMC’s decision to carry out the remaining work manually reflects its commitment to preserving the integrity of the Banganga Tank while addressing the essential desilting needs.
As restoration efforts continue, the focus remains on balancing the preservation of heritage with the practical requirements of maintenance, ensuring that Mumbai’s rich historical legacy is safeguarded for future generations.
