BMC likely to restore Metro fountain in October

MUMBAI: BMC’s bridges department has objected to excavation by the heritage wing at a traffic island near Metro cinema junction in Fort for erecting the restored Fitzgerald Fountain.
BMC’s heritage wing started excavation to restore the 40-ft British era fountain in April (TOI, May 21). The fountain was erected near the junction in 1867 but was shifted to Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum during the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement.
The bridges department, in a letter, said the road was excavated above the Metro junction subway. “The depth of excavation of a trench is about 30cm. As the rainy season is approaching, you are directed to instruct the contractor/agency to reinstate the trench and excavation of the traffic island at the earliest, to prevent leakage of rain water into the subway,” the letter stated. It said the contractor should appoint a structural consultant to prevent damage to the subway. The bridges department said it would not be responsible for any leakage or damage to the subway. ‘A’ ward office said it had not granted permission for the work. Heritage wing officials said they had a traffic department NOC. “We haven taken note of their concern. “We may reinstate the portion for now and have to start excavation for laying the foundation post-monsoon, in October,” said an official.