Mumbai: The iconic heritage structure of Flora Fountain, which was shut since 2016 for restoration work, was finally open to public on Thursday evening. However, restoration work of only the fountain has been completed in the proposed Phase I, but the work surrounding plaza areas which was proposed in Phase II, will take another three months.
“In Phase I project, we have restored water supply lines, repaired the basement along with the broken hand of goddess Flora at the same time completed its polishing work. Phase II work, which includes plaza around the structure, where people can sit and enjoy a 360 degree view of the fountain is yet to be completed,” said Altaf, an architect from Vikas Dilawari Conservation Architects, in-charge of restoring work.
“The idea in Phase II is to create an ambience like Trafalgar Square, London around the structure,” said a civic engineer responsible for the project. Trafalgar Square in London has historic importance and is used by communities for celebration of events, festivals and other important occasions.
The plaza around the Flora Fountain, which will be restored in Phase II is 10,000 square feet. Phase II will also include restoration of tram lines found during the digging work for Phase 3 Metro line, which will run from Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ.
“We will preserve the iconic tram lines within the plaza and would print the information of the route between the rails,” said the civil engineer. Bombay then between 1874 and 1964 had witnessed tram services on the roads.
“BMC is waiting for a special lighting facade from Japan,” said a civic official. Phase II which includes lighting, outer railing, construction of benches and restoration of tram lines will be completed in the next three months, said the official. Aditya Thackeray, the President of Yuva Sena, youth wing of the Shiv Sena along with the Mayor of Mumbai Vishwanath Mahadeshwar unveiled the iconic Flora Fountain on Thursday.
