An FIR has been lodged against a contractor after the restoration work carried out by him in the presence of BMC officials led to the damage of one of the steps of the centuries-old Banganga Tank in Mumbai.
The contractor tried to enter the centre of the tank using a JCB excavator that caused the damage.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) carries out desilting work inside the tank during the monsoon. The BMC said in a statement that initially the sludge was being removed manually, but the contractor deployed an excavator on June 24 from the northern end of the tank.
The BMC has issued a show-cause notice to the contractor.
Cabinet minister and MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha visited the site and told Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar to file an FIR against the contractor appointed for the desilting and blacklist the BMC officials who were present during the restoration work of the historic site.
Lodha also directed officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the BMC to start the repair work immediately and complete it within the next 72 hours.
A local committee will be established to oversee the ongoing work, he said. Additionally, a committee of BMC officials will be set up to investigate the incident, and a report will be submitted within the next 15 days.
“We are always committed to preserving and conserving Mumbai’s historical heritage. The site will soon be restored to its original state,” Lodha told the locals during his visit.
Banganga, located in the upscale Walkeshwar neighbourhood in south Mumbai, is a stepwell whose origins are traced back to the 12th century. The tank finds mention in the Ramayana, and has been recognised as a heritage site by the Maharashtra Archeological Department.
The Mumbai Police said they have registered an FIR against the contractor, supervisor, and JCB operator.
According to national spokesperson of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Clyde Crasto, “What the contractor has done to the Holy Banganga in Walkeshwar is an insult to our religious feelings. Legend has it that Lord Ram came here, shot an arrow, and Goddess Bhagwati appeared, forming this water body. We worship Banganga, and it was treated so badly. Not just the contractor, but local MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha and the BMC must apologise to the worshipers of Banganga and Lord Rama. We will keep a close watch on the vicinity and make sure it is restored as promised. If it is not restored to its original form, we will take further action.”
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