Mumbai: Banganga Tank Restoration Project Progressing: BMC Removes Encroaching Huts, Architects Revitalize Ancient Pillars

Mumbai, 3rd April 2024: The restoration project for the Banganga Tank, valued at ₹12 crore, is progressing well. Last month, the BMC removed 14 encroaching huts that had been on the historic steps for 45 years, while architects engaged in the restoration have revitalized the 11 ancient deep stambhs (pillars of light) within the Grade 1 heritage precinct. Currently, efforts are focused on restoring the walls and steps.

Architect Vikas Dilawari and the architectural firm Shashi Prabhu & Associates have been appointed as consultants for the project. The Banganga Tank, privately owned by the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin Temple Trust (GSBTT) and overseen by the state archaeology department, holds significant cultural importance.

Rutwik Aurangabadkar, CEO (projects) at GSBTT, elucidated the significance of the deep stambhs, noting their historical association with devotees’ donations. He explained that each stambh symbolizes a saint’s memorial, with devotees believed to receive blessings upon constructing them. With approximately 40 such memorials within the Banganga precinct, it holds esteemed status as a teerth shetra (holy place).

The primary aim of the project is to rejuvenate the 11th-century Ram Kund, the source from where Banganga water flows outward and merges with the sea, restoring it to its former grandeur. Despite being buried under debris, located 400 meters away from Banganga Tank, the restoration of Ram Kund poses challenges due to debris accumulation allegedly caused by 300 hutments. This challenge is slated to be addressed in Phase 2 of the project.

With ₹6 crore allocated for Phase 1, GSBTT is covering the architects’ fees to retain control over the project’s designs and aesthetics. Moreover, GSBTT, established in 1879, is investing ₹60 lakh to ₹70 lakh to preserve the sanctity of Banganga Tank.

Architect Enakshi Bhatia from Shashi Prabhu & Associates highlighted the current focus on resolving debris accumulation issues in RamKund, exacerbated by the open sea. She mentioned ongoing discussions with the Maritime Board regarding the restoration of the part of Ram Kund under their jurisdiction.

Desilting of the tank has commenced, with efforts to minimize disturbance to the existing flora and fauna. The restoration primarily targets steps, walls, and deep stambhs under Dilawari’s guidance, aiming to remove layers of plaster and paint to restore the stambhs to their original state. Additionally, measures will be taken to repair the tank’s walls for safety purposes, restoring it as closely as possible to its original condition.