Open Rajabai Tower for all, Mumbai University senate members urge Maharashtra

The Rajabai Tower is more than 140 years old

Mumbai University's heritage gem, the Rajabai Clock Tower and the library it houses may soon be open to visits by tourists and heritage enthusiasts. A request by the varsity senate members was submitted on Wednesday to the state's Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray.

The over 140-year-old structure located in Mumbai University's Fort campus was included in the list of World Heritage Sites in 2018. It has been a site of interest for many history, architecture and culture enthusiasts but remains closed for visits. Senate members, however, believe that visits could help build the university's image and bring revenue.

Pradeep Sawant, a senate and management council member, said the treasure trove includes books and documents of historic importance. "We have iconic personalities like Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in the list of alumni of Mumbai University. The library is in possession of his documents and degrees. Why not make such notable items available for public view as there are so many individuals interested in it," said Sawant, who is also a member of Yuva Sena, the Shiv Sena's student wing.

Over a year ago, Sawant said, the university's management council had cleared a proposal to allow the common public to visit the Rajabhai Clock Tower. He said lack of infrastructure has been a major stumbling block.

"The varsity does not have enough manpower to begin this new project. But we hoped that the administration would at least approach the state government with a plan for some resolution. With no development from the varsity, we decided to approach the state and met with tourism minister Aaditya Thackeray," he said.

Senate members said the tourism department can arrange for the required machinery for the project and the university will not have to worry about the implementation.