Mumbai: BMC To Restore 200-Year-Old Heritage Bandra Talao; Consultant Appointed For Water Testing And Beautification

Mumbai: The municipal corporation has decided to restore Mumbai’s heritage Bandra Talao (lake), for which a consultant has also been appointed to test the pond water and finalise the methodology to dewater, desludge and beautify the heritage site.

"The proposed cost of the project is Rs 20 crore and the proposal will be submitted to the state government as the work will be carried out under grants of the 15th finance commission," said a senior BMC officer.

"The main objective is to rejuvenate Bandra Talao. The proposal was prepared by BMC’s H-West ward and forwarded to the sewerage project and operations department, which will present it to the state government," he added.

The 200-year-old Bandra Talao is 7.5 acres big and has walkways around it. The restoration and maintenance of Bandra Talao will not only allow citizens to spend peaceful time but is vital for preserving the culture and heritage of Mumbai.

The work is expected to be carried out in two phases. The first phase will include works like dewatering and desludging. The beautification will be carried out in phase two.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner Vishwas Mote confirmed that BMC is working on restoring the Bandra Talao and there were meetings held to further course of action.

The FPJ had reported on January 8 that local Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad had written to BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani seeking urgent attention towards the upkeep of Bandra Talao - a Grade 2 Heritage site in Mumbai. Once a serene spot for leisure and community engagement, the lake has become a picture of neglect and decay, Gaikwad said.