Mumbai’s centuries-old heritage buildings require some serious R&R after every monsoon
Gargoyle no. 1 stared at his wingspan. It didn’t look good. A sheath of moss that threatened to discolour and mar his impressive gait, was giving him sleepless nights. As if the whizzing endless city traffic below wasn’t enough. “The Mumbai monsoon, I tell you...” he muttered under his breath, loud enough to be heard by one of the tropical animal figurines from the menagerie on the façade of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus). “We really feel for you. Especially since you’re exposed to the elements,” sighed the lizard-like creature from the group. “This year, the rains have been quite unforgiving; look at my feathers, my plume...” moaned the peacock from another corner of the weather-beaten wall. Towards the main entrance to the offices of the terminus, the roundels with faces of some of the city’s founding fathers didn’t look particularly happy too. Over 150 monsoons had left its mark on their imposing legacy.
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The opposite neighbour, the BMC building had slightly better luck, what with the recent restoration. But as we drew close, the whispers and sighs could be head. Gargoyle no. 2 sitting pretty at the centrepoint of the landmark let out an unappeased growl (or so we’d imagine would be expected of this medieval beast). “Restoration. Huh! Look what’s become of it already. All that pomp and spendour, for what?” Sir PM Mehta nodded. After all, his once-magnificent robe wasn’t becoming of his standing. “Ho-hum. This is Bombay. No wonder, Britain’s soldiers couldn’t survive even three monsoons,” he scoffed, as he wiped off a few giant raindrops from his forehead.
Well, if our heritage public buildings (and their occupants) could speak, the chatter would pretty much sound like the above scene. It’s the same story across most of Mumbai’s diverse architecture that has graced the city for centuries. Tormented by months of incessant downpour, it’s a miracle that they still stand tall, and despite the somewhat jaded, decadent exterior, the grandeur isn’t amiss.
It would do wonders if the BMC and other concerned authorities gave our treasures a thorough look-in after every monsoon. Take London for example. The care and sustained effort that go into the maintenance of public buildings, especially of historic legacy, is applause-worthy throughout some pretty testing, unpredictable weather all year. We can almost sense the shrugs at this idea. Yes, it’s wishful thinking. But if Mumbai is keen to move ahead, and leap into the ‘smart city’ league, it’s important to also look behind, and salute our history. It’s what separates great world cities from the mediocre.
mid-day’s Features Editor Fiona Fernandez relishes the city’s sights, sounds, smells and stones...wherever the ink and the inclination takes her. She tweets @bombayana. Send your feedback to mailbag@mid-day.com
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