The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has restored two British-era cannons that were lying neglected for a few decades.
The civic body brought it back to their original glory in order to preserve these important artefacts of the city’s past.
The 167-year-old cannons were discovered in dilapidated conditions. Now, they have undergone beautification and reinstated in two civic parks located at Ghatkopar.
According to reports, one of them is placed at Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar Park and other at Lion’s Children Park, where it was first discovered.
According to senior officials of the civic heritage cell, the cast iron cannons are 3.10 metres in length and 0.64 metres in diameter. In 1856, these cannons were installed by the British to safeguard the city from sea-based threats.
Recognising their historical significance, the BMC's Garden Department submitted a proposal to the civic heritage conservation cell, seeking approval to restore both the cannons. The work on the restoration project commenced in 2022 after the civic garden discovered the canons and approached the heritage cell to undertake the refurbishments.
The BMC’s Heritage Cell revived it at a cost of INR 38 lakh.
The restoration work was divided into two parts, which included construction of a cannon cart with wheels made of cast iron and in the second part, cleaning and refurbishment.
Share
Tweet
