The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) D-ward has issued a tender worth INR 1.2 crore for desilting Banganga Tank in Walkeshwar after a previous contractor caused damage to the heritage steps by using an excavator. Following public outrage and a registered FIR, BMC terminated the contract with Savani Heritage Conservation. Although the contractor completed 10 to 12 percent of the work under a separate INR 4.5 crore contract, fresh tenders are now set to be floated.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) D-ward has issued a tender valued at INR 1.2 crore for the desilting of Banganga Tank in Walkeshwar. An earlier attempt to carry out desilting faced difficulties when the contractor employed for the task used an excavator in the tank, resulting in damage to the heritage steps while the work was conducted. This incident occurred earlier this summer. Following the damage, BMC terminated the contract with Savani Heritage Conservation for the restoration of the tank and its surrounding area.
A work order for the restoration was initially given to Savani on March 16 earlier this year. Subsequently, the contractor requested permission to use small excavators for the work. However, both the project management consultants and the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums department rejected the proposal to use an excavator. Additionally, the contractor sublet work to another firm without BMC’s approval and went ahead with the use of an excavator. The damage to the steps led to public outrage among citizens and heritage activists. An FIR was lodged on June 25 against three individuals associated with the contractor. Following this, BMC replaced and repaired the damaged stairs of the tank. Civic officials later claimed that the contractor had completed between 10 and 12 percent of the work on the INR 4.5 crore contract. They also indicated that new tenders would be issued for the restoration work.
BMC D-ward officer Sharad Ughade did not respond to phone calls and messages requesting an update on the project. Activist Santosh Daundkar expressed that BMC's heritage department should have managed the restoration of Banganga Tank instead of the ward. He added that BMC would now have to appoint a new contractor, leading to additional expenses on the project. According to him, the heritage department should oversee the project due to its expertise in such matters.
The challenges faced in the restoration of Banganga Tank underscore the importance of careful project management and adherence to regulations, particularly in heritage sites. The damage caused by improper methods highlights the need for specialised expertise in such sensitive restoration efforts. As BMC moves forward with fresh tenders, it is crucial that they prioritise the engagement of qualified contractors and the involvement of the heritage department to ensure that the tank is restored appropriately. This approach could help prevent similar incidents in the future and preserve the historical significance of this important landmark.
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