Mumbai: BMC to restore and beautify 13 heritage milestones around city

History buffs, rejoice. In an unusually city-friendly move, the BMC has decided to identify, locate and restore the 13 milestones that were installed in the 18th century to mark distances.

In a letter to seven ward offices - A, C, D, E, F-south , F-north and G-north - the civic body's Development Plan department has instructed the assistant municipal commissioners to identify and locate these milestones, stating that out of 13 such milestones, seven stones have been missing, while the remaining six are in a state of disorder or have been encroached upon.

It has gone on to request that the milestones be restored, along with a provision for protection, beautification and installation of information boards about their significance.

The move came after senior Shiv Sena corporator Kishori Pednekar wrote to civic chief Ajoy Mehta to take steps for restoration of neglected milestones. Her request came in light of the discovery of a milestone (in pic) in F-south ward during a demolition drive. Pednekar said, "Milestones are the identity of a city, as they are our heritage. Sadly, these ancient milestones are in a pathetic condition today. Before it's too late, the civic body should restore the remaining milestones."

A senior official from the DP department said, "We will also take the help of heritage conservationists to locate the missing milestones."

V P Mote, ward officer of F-south ward, where the last marker was found, said, "We have located a new milestone with ‘VI' inscribed on it opposite Chitra Cinema in Dadar. After monsoon, we will clear the area and beautify its surrounding. The survey will be over next month."