Banganga Tank: Heritage Steps Damaged, Contractor Terminated

In a shocking turn of events, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has terminated a contract given to a private party to restore the historic Banganga Tank in Walkeshwar, Mumbai, after the contractor caused significant damage to the heritage steps leading to the water body. The decision was made after a hearing, where it was revealed that the contractor, Savani Heritage Conservation, had used an excavator for de-silting work on June 24, despite being forbidden from doing so by the project management consultant and the Directorate of Archaeology & Museums.

The contractor had been given the task of restoring the tank and its precinct area, with a contract worth Rs 4.5 crore, on March 16 this year. However, instead of following the approved methodology of manual de-silting, the contractor sought permission to engage small excavators to carry out the work. The project management consultant and the Directorate of Archaeology & Museums did not approve of this plan, and asked the contractor to stop work and obtain alternative approval. Despite this, the contractor’s staff allowed the excavator to enter the tank, causing damage to the steps.

The contractor had completed around 10% to 12% of the work before the damage was done. The BMC will now appoint another contractor empanelled for heritage work to complete the remaining tasks. A criminal offence was filed against three persons affiliated with the contractor’s firm on June 25, and a show-cause notice was issued to the contractor for deploying the excavator.

The damage to the heritage steps has sparked outrage among citizens and heritage activists. The Banganga Tank is a historic water body, and its restoration is an important project for the city. The BMC has already replaced and repaired the damaged stairs, and will now ensure that the remaining work is carried out in accordance with the approved methodology.

This incident is not the first time that the contractor has been in trouble. Earlier, the BMC had booked the contractor for digging up a footpath without permission, and had issued a stop work notice. The contractor was also required to recover the repair costs. The BMC has taken a strong stance against the contractor’s actions, and has made it clear that it will not tolerate any damage to the city’s heritage sites.

In related news, the BMC had also filed an FIR against the contractor for unauthorized digging on a footpath near Pratishtha Bhavan. The contractor had conducted work on a foot over bridge without permission, and was issued a stop work notice. The BMC is working to recover the repair costs.

In another incident, 10 individuals were arrested in Mangaluru for a dacoity case at a PWD contractor’s house. The suspects had inside information about the victim’s wealth, and the investigation team is making progress with the recovery process.

Meanwhile, a recent report highlighted the plight of manual scavengers in Delhi’s Vinod Nagar, who are still clearing stormwater drains by hand despite technological advancements. The practice continues due to the need for unclogging sewers and drains, and residents have expressed concerns over the laborious process and destruction of pavements.

The Banganga Tank incident is a stark reminder of the importance of preserving our city’s heritage, and the need for strict regulations to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. The BMC’s decision to terminate the contract and appoint a new contractor is a step in the right direction, and we hope that the remaining work will be carried out with the necessary care and attention.

Historical Context:

The Banganga Tank is a historic water body located in Walkeshwar, Mumbai, and its restoration is an important project for the city. The tank dates back to the 12th century and is considered a significant heritage site. The restoration project was initiated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to preserve the tank’s historical significance and cultural importance.

The incident highlights the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage and the need for strict regulations to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. The BMC’s decision to terminate the contract and appoint a new contractor is a step in the right direction, and it sets a precedent for other heritage restoration projects in the city.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) terminated a contract given to a private party to restore the historic Banganga Tank in Walkeshwar, Mumbai, after the contractor caused significant damage to the heritage steps leading to the water body. • The contractor, Savani Heritage Conservation, had been given the task of restoring the tank and its precinct area, with a contract worth Rs 4.5 crore, on March 16 this year. • The contractor had completed around 10% to 12% of the work before the damage was done, and the BMC will now appoint another contractor empanelled for heritage work to complete the remaining tasks. • A criminal offence was filed against three persons affiliated with the contractor’s firm on June 25, and a show-cause notice was issued to the contractor for deploying the excavator. • The damage to the heritage steps has sparked outrage among citizens and heritage activists, and the BMC has already replaced and repaired the damaged stairs. • The contractor had been in trouble earlier, having been booked by the BMC for digging up a footpath without permission and issuing a stop work notice. • The BMC has taken a strong stance against the contractor’s actions, and has made it clear that it will not tolerate any damage to the city’s heritage sites. • The incident highlights the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage and the need for strict regulations to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. • The BMC’s decision to terminate the contract and appoint a new contractor is a step in the right direction, and it sets a precedent for other heritage restoration projects in the city.