Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has floated a fresh tender worth nearly Rs 2 crore for the upkeep and restoration of 22 heritage sites in South Mumbai. The initiative covers prominent locations such as the iconic Fitzgerald Fountain, Flora Fountain, and the Cooperage Bandstand in the A Ward area, which spans parts of Fort, Colaba, and Churchgate.
Civic officials confirmed that the project will span three years and includes extensive maintenance work across bronze and marble statues, heritage fountains, and key public installations. The tender follows growing concerns about deteriorating civic heritage, especially after reports highlighted the neglected condition of Fitzgerald Fountain, which had been without a dedicated maintenance contract since March. Under the proposed plan, four heritage fountains will undergo annual steam cleaning, fortnightly washing of water troughs, and regular upkeep of plaques, railings, and embedded features. The Fitzgerald Fountain will receive a polyurethane coat annually to protect it from urban pollution and monsoon-related damage, along with water pump and lighting system maintenance.
The Cooperage Bandstand, a 157-year-old landmark near Mantralaya, is set for cobblestone floor repairs, amphitheatre upkeep, and preservation of fire-retardant painted structures. Officials clarified that cleaning of wooden roofing sheets and external structures will also form a key part of the project. According to senior officials, contractors will be required to submit daily progress updates via social messaging apps. This real-time reporting will help ensure tighter monitoring and accountability in preserving the city’s historical structures.
While conservationists have welcomed the move, concerns remain over long-term responsibility for maintenance once the three-year contract concludes. The current tender also does not address which agency will bear future costs for restoration or emergency repair. The project aligns with the city’s broader goals of promoting eco-sensitive urban development and strengthening civic responsibility towards heritage preservation. Experts assert that integrating heritage upkeep into urban planning not only protects the city’s visual identity but also enhances its tourism and civic pride.
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