With its eyes on the upcoming civic elections, the Brihanmumbai
Municipal Corporation (BMC) has suddenly decided to pay attention to
Mumbai’s long-forgotten heritage structures.
A fortnight ahead of the polls, when the election code of conduct will be imposed, the civic administration is contemplating issuing tenders, worth Rs50 crore, to restore heritage sites in the city.
The civic body is pushing for restoration work of the 149-year-old cast-iron Khada Parsi Statue at Byculla Bridge, the entrance plaza, and heritage monuments at 150-year-old Veermata Jijamata Udhyan (Byculla Zoo).
High priority has also been given to restoration work at Flora Fountain, Hutatma Chowk, and the Textile Museum at Lower Parel.
The move seems to be a well-planned tactic to woo voters, and add another feather to the corporation’s hat.
“These proposals to restore and repair the heritage properties have been in limbo for years,” said a senior official, on condition of anonymity.
“Although the tender documents and conditions were ready, there was no political will to expedite the work. Within a week, before the code of conduct is imposed, tenders will be invited to commence restoration work of Khada Parsi, at heritage structures at Veermata Jijamata Udhyan, and second phase work of the civic headquarters.”
“The implementation of impending restoration work will give a visible edge to the ruling alliance Sena-BJP. It will be a visible facelift, which will be noticed by the people. Another opportunity for them to claim their share of the pie,” he added.
As early as 2007, the BMC had proposed the restoration and repair of eight Grade-I structures owned by it. The list included the Khada Parsi, Flora Fountain and drinking water pyaus. Officials add that the civic administration is also showing keen interest in commencing work on the restoration of Crawford Market, but it is unlikely that the tenders will be invited before the election code of conduct is passed.
The proposal for Flora Fountain will first be tabled at the group leaders meeting, presided by Municipal Commissioner Subodh Kumar.
Standing committee chairman Rahul Shewale said enhancing the quality of heritage monuments would enhance the international standard of the city.
“The proposal will give a facelift to the city.”
A fortnight ahead of the polls, when the election code of conduct will be imposed, the civic administration is contemplating issuing tenders, worth Rs50 crore, to restore heritage sites in the city.
The civic body is pushing for restoration work of the 149-year-old cast-iron Khada Parsi Statue at Byculla Bridge, the entrance plaza, and heritage monuments at 150-year-old Veermata Jijamata Udhyan (Byculla Zoo).
High priority has also been given to restoration work at Flora Fountain, Hutatma Chowk, and the Textile Museum at Lower Parel.
The move seems to be a well-planned tactic to woo voters, and add another feather to the corporation’s hat.
“These proposals to restore and repair the heritage properties have been in limbo for years,” said a senior official, on condition of anonymity.
“Although the tender documents and conditions were ready, there was no political will to expedite the work. Within a week, before the code of conduct is imposed, tenders will be invited to commence restoration work of Khada Parsi, at heritage structures at Veermata Jijamata Udhyan, and second phase work of the civic headquarters.”
“The implementation of impending restoration work will give a visible edge to the ruling alliance Sena-BJP. It will be a visible facelift, which will be noticed by the people. Another opportunity for them to claim their share of the pie,” he added.
As early as 2007, the BMC had proposed the restoration and repair of eight Grade-I structures owned by it. The list included the Khada Parsi, Flora Fountain and drinking water pyaus. Officials add that the civic administration is also showing keen interest in commencing work on the restoration of Crawford Market, but it is unlikely that the tenders will be invited before the election code of conduct is passed.
The proposal for Flora Fountain will first be tabled at the group leaders meeting, presided by Municipal Commissioner Subodh Kumar.
Standing committee chairman Rahul Shewale said enhancing the quality of heritage monuments would enhance the international standard of the city.
“The proposal will give a facelift to the city.”
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