BMC BEgins Restoring SoBo’s Historic Tank
The BMC is beginning restoration efforts for the centuries-old Banganga Tank mounted on Malabar Hill. The D Ward crew has dismantled approximately 12 structures in the neighbourhood and is currently working to rehabilitate the tenants.
Banganga Tank is an 11th-century Grade-1 heritage area owned by the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin Temple Trust and maintained by the Maharashtra Archaeological Department. The precinct houses 16 notable temples, including Kashi and Kavale Math. It is one of the city’s few remaining natural water bodies. Despite its proximity to the Arabian Sea, the rectangular step-water tank is noted for storing fresh water.
The repair work is being carried out in two parts and is scheduled to be completed by next year. The project’s goal is to restore the edifice to its former identity, attract tourists, and facilitate rituals of faith. The project includes clearing encroachments around the tank, resurrecting an 11th-century Ram Kund, providing public amenities, and restoring and renovating the tank itself.
“The difficult challenge was to demolish the structures that had been in the Banganga area for many years. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority will provide alternate accommodation to the project’s affected families. We have also received the affected households’ approval letters,” a D Ward official stated.
“The steps of the tank, composed of black basalt stones, will be renovated. A light and sound performance will be performed around the lake. There will be murals, and the stone pathway will be rebuilt and renamed ‘Bhakti Marg’. We will install CCTV cameras in the lake and surrounding area for security reasons,” stated another D ward official.
The rehabilitation work is being done under the supervision of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Department, in collaboration with the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee. Architect Vikas Dilawari is the consultant.
