The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to renovate the Banganga Tank, a heritage location in mumbai's Malabar Hill area. The plan aims to attract tourists and provide facilities for religious ceremonies.
The principal architect of the plan will be Shashi Prabhu, and Vikas Dilawari will be the conservation architect. The tender for the project will be released on Friday, October 13.
A key aspect of the project is the restoration of the 11th-century Ram Kund, located 400 metres from Banganga Tank. Currently covered in rubble, this historic site is where Lord Ram is believed to have performed the "asthi visarjan" (ashes immersion) of his father Dashrath.
The BMC plans to clear around 100 encroachments around the tank, create seating areas and facilities for ritualistic offerings, and provide amenities for the public. The area's historic appearance will be restored, and CCTV surveillance will be installed.
The project is estimated to cost INR 12 crore, with BMC contributing INR 5 crore. The rest will be covered by MLA funds. The state government and the tourism department will also contribute to the funds.
Interestingly, the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin Temple Trust (GSBTT), a private entity, owns the Grade 1 heritage precinct.
Banganga Tank attracts around 10,000 worshippers on Kartik Purnima. Devotees go there annually during Pitrupaksha to perform "pind daan," a rite honouring their ancestors.
The location also used to host the prestigious Banganga Music Festival, which was discontinued in 2006. Plans are underway to reintroduce it in February 2024, with past performers including maestros like Zakir Hussain and Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia.
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