Mumbai: There have been attempts to protect Banganga Tank in recent decades, but they have not fructified.
Industrialist Harsh Goenka-led RPG Foundation’s engagement with Banganga began in 2019, with the “objective of reviving the living heritage of the precinct. We had formally signed an MoU with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to undertake the revival of the Banganga Tank and had also developed an overall restoration plan with conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah. Courts have issued visarjan guidelines only for Ganeshotsav but if the rules were applicable throughout the year, natural water bodies like Banganga would benefit. ” You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mumbai | Silver Rate in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Petrol Price in Mumbai | Diesel Price in Mumbai | CNG Price in Mumbai | LPG Price in Mumbai Stay updated with the latest Mumbai news.
A spokesperson said, “Our engagement began in collaboration with local authorities. The foundation said, “Our work at the precinct, however, continued and included several interventions aimed at making the space more accessible and welcoming, including a playground, street lighting, signage, a creative mural and other public amenities. We also supported the crematorium with an electric furnace. The foundation hoped the current situation would be addressed swiftly and that the “ecological health of Banganga is protected in the long term. GSB Trust declined comment on the matter. However, sources claimed the trust faced its own compulsions. “As property owners they are not even permitted to regulate entry. Banganga tank is open on all sides so people enter freely. Dumping of floral waste, oil and other offerings occurs frequently, not just during Pitru Paksh. Ganesh idols are immersed there each year. Download the TOI App.
The MoU was negated in 2022, and the restoration plans were thereafter submitted to the ASI and the GSB Trust (which owns Banganga) for their consideration. “Unfortunately, due to unavoidable ground-level circumstances, we were unable to commence work on the tank.
Goenka earlier this week tweeted to express disappointment over the failure of his planned restoration.