The Banganga Tank, a historic site in Malabar Hill, is being restored by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and a team from Ward D. So far, they have demolished 12 buildings in the vicinity. The BMC's Ward D team is now focusing on rehabilitating the residents.
Banganga Tank is a Grade I historic area dating back to the eleventh century. It is owned by the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin Temple Trust and preserved by the Maharashtra Archaeological Department. The precinct houses sixteen temples. This also includes Kashi and Kavale math.
The restoration project is divided into two stages and will be completed by next year. The aim is to improve religious rites, attract tourists, and restore the site's historical identity. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority will provide alternative housing to the affected families.
The project includes cleaning the area around the tank, restoring an eleventh-century Ram Kund, installing public restrooms, and modernising the tank. According to reports, removing long-standing structures in the Banganga area was a challenge for the authority.
The black basalt stone steps on the tank will be repaired. A light-and-sound show is planned above the lake area. Murals will be painted, and the "Bhakti Marg" stone walkway will be rebuilt. CCTV cameras will be installed for safety.
Banganga Tank is among the city's last surviving natural bodies of water. The rectangular water tank also holds fresh water, despite being near the Arabian Sea.
The Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee and the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Department are overseeing the project. The consultant for the project is architect Vikas Dilawari.
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