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Over 40 citizens have voiced concerns to the Maharashtra Directorate of Archaeology and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over the restoration of Bandra Fort, claiming that the work undermines the 17th-century fort's historical integrity. Originally constructed by the Portuguese at Land's End, Bandra, the Grade-I heritage site was recently covered in cream-coloured plaster, which many residents see as damaging. The letter, authored by activist Zoru Bhathena, criticizes changes, including the removal of the heritage arch and application of lime plaster, which allegedly contravene heritage laws. The state Archaeology Department is investigating, potentially setting a precedent for future heritage restorations.
According to recent reports, more than 40 citizens have submitted a letter to the Maharashtra government's Directorate of Archaeology and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), expressing concerns that the ongoing repair and preservation work at Bandra Fort has marred the Grade-I heritage structure and undermined its historical significance as a 17th-century fortification. Advertisement
Constructed from robust rock by the Portuguese at the southern tip of Bandra, known as Land's End, the fort has recently undergone a makeover commissioned by the state Directorate of Archaeology. Residents have expressed their shock at the sight of large sections of the fort being covered in cream-coloured plaster.
In their letter, concerned citizens have called for a cessation of the work, restoration of the fort to its original state, and accountability for those responsible for its defacement. According to an article published by Hindustan Times, activist Zoru Bhathena, who authored the letter, remarked that it is difficult to comprehend how the design of a centuries-old fort could be 'rectified.' The letter also highlighted the removal of the heritage arch over the gate, the application of lime plaster over the fort, and changes to the walls that altered the fort's appearance.
Bandra Fort was designated as a Grade I heritage structure in 1984 and falls under the purview of the state Department of Archaeology. The letter emphasised that the alterations contravene laws that prohibit such actions in a Notified Monument or Grade-I Heritage Structure, stating that no one is allowed to destroy, remove, injure, alter, deface, or jeopardise a protected monument.
The project was awarded to consultant conservation architects Sankraman Design Studio and the executing agency Savani Heritage Conservation earlier this year for INR 70 lakh. The architects have asserted that the use of lime plaster is standard in fort restorations, explaining that it has been applied to safeguard the structure from sea erosion.
An official from the state Archaeology Department confirmed they have received the citizens' letter and will investigate the matter. The architects maintain that they are complying with the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, and relevant international charters established by UNESCO. They added that the state Archaeology Department is closely monitoring the project and that thorough documentation of the site was conducted prior to the restoration, which will also occur upon its completion.
In conclusion, the restoration of Bandra Fort has sparked significant public debate about preserving heritage while modernising structures. As authorities investigate the citizens' concerns, the outcome may set a precedent for future restoration projects involving historically significant sites in Mumbai and beyond.
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