In the latest update on the reconstruction of the Parsi Gate, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has confirmed that work on the religious site has begun. The gate is religiously significant for zoroastrians and was dismantled in April 2021 for the Mumbai Coastal Road project. This had caused outrage among the Parsi-Zoroastrian community.
The civic body has started excavations at the revered location. Sources suggest that the new site for the gate will be 75 metres north of the original location, at the Worli end of the Coastal Road. This change in location was necessary as the road canopy would block the view of the columns from the other side of the street.
Currently, the construction work is in progress, with the balustrade, parapet, and steps currently being laid, as per reports. Despite this, there are concerns within the Parsi community about the delay in restoration. There have been no specific updates about the progress from the authorities.
Interestingly, while Marine Drive is a protected area, the columns are not recognised as cultural monuments. The Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) has approved the new location for the columns. Their approval is necessary for the relocation and restoration of heritage sites.
The BMC has estimated May 31 as the completion date for the restoration. But it has also acknowledged that the process might take longer. The decision to demolish the columns had previously sparked petitions opposing the project, with a change.org petition titled "Save the Parsi Gate" gaining close to 7,500 signatures in 2020.
The Parsi Gate was erected in the early 20th century by Parsi philanthropists. It consists of two five-metre-tall stone columns with intricate carvings. The site is used by the Parsi-Zoroastrian community for water-related rites.
The Parsi Gate is not only significant to the Parsi community but also to Hindus who conduct sacred rites at this location.
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