Trust to spend the money within the next one year on the ‘conservation, beautification and development’ of the heritage precinct
Youngsters clean the heritage Banganga Tank during the pandemic restrictions. File pic/Bipin Kokate
The GSB Temple Trust, which owns the heritage Banganga Tank as well as its surrounding precinct in South Mumbai’s Walkeshwar, will shell out Rs 1 crore to revamp the area.
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mid-day has learnt that the Trust is likely to spend the entire amount within the next one year on the “conservation, beautification and development” of the Banganga precinct. Earlier this year, the GSB Temple Trust had also levied a Rs 20/person development fee for those wishing to visit the Grade-I heritage structure i.e. Banganga Tank. The money collected was to go towards maintaining the general cleanliness of the area, hiring 24/7 security guards to keep anti-social elements at bay, and to install CCTV cameras around the tank.
“On July 8, the GSB Temple Trust had given a letter to the Director of Archaeology showing its willingness to spend for the conservation and development of Banganga precinct,” said Rutvik Aurangabadkar, chief executive (Projects), GSB Temple Trust.
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“Subsequently, on July 14, a team of archaeologists visited the precinct and discussed the scope of work with us. Initially, the Trust has decided to spend Rs 1 crore for the beautification, conservation, and development of the precinct and the same has been intimated to the Department of Archaeology. Soon, a conservation architect from the panel of Archaeology will also be on board.”
Aurangabadkar further explained that since the Banganga precinct has been declared a Grade 1 heritage monument, “any conservation or development or beautification activity has to be carried out as per guidelines and consent of the Archaeology department and under the supervision of a conservation architect.”
“The GSB Temple Trust and GSB community will raise more funds as and when required,” said Aurangabadkar. “The initial Rs 1 crore will be utilized for security, cleanliness, cast-iron railings, cast-iron entry gates with a heritage look, conservation of the Deepstambh, as well as to make some mock-ups with a heritage look. The whole amount will be spent within the span of a year. Development plans will be finalised within the next 2-3 months.”
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