Mumbai's historic Bomanjee Hormarjee Wadia fountain and clock tower in Fort is approaching the final stages of its latest preventive restoration, marking another significant chapter in the preservation of one of the city's oldest philanthropic landmarks. This current effort comes nearly a decade after a major restoration project saved the structure from potential collapse.
A Unique Heritage Structure
Built in 1880 and erected in 1882, this commemorative fountain honors Bomonjee Hormarjee Wadia, a prominent philanthropist who made substantial contributions to the city's development. The structure holds the distinction of being Mumbai's only known building that combines a clock tower with a drinking water trough, serving both residents and travelers during an era before piped water systems became commonplace.
Historical records show that this heritage monument predates the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), formerly known as Victoria Terminus, which was constructed between 1878 and 1887. The fountain's dual functionality made it an essential public utility in its heyday, providing both timekeeping and drinking water facilities to the community.
Current Restoration Efforts
The Kala Ghoda Association (KGA), which adopted the heritage structure under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has initiated the second phase of conservation work. Unlike the emergency restoration undertaken in 2016, this phase focuses on routine upkeep and preventive conservation measures.
KGA chairperson Brinda Miller explained the different approach: "When we first took up its restoration in 2016, it was about saving it from imminent collapse. This current phase is about ensuring it ages gracefully. Mumbai's coastal climate is particularly harsh on exposed stone structures, making cyclical maintenance absolutely essential."
From Near-Collapse to Award-Winning Restoration
Conservation architect Vikas Dilawari, who participated in both the 2016 and current restoration efforts, recalled the alarming state of decay the tower faced nearly a decade ago. "The situation was critical—a banyan tree had taken root in the upper portions of the structure, encroachments surrounded the monument, the drainage system was completely choked with mud, and several carved elements were either dislodged or hidden from view. The BMC had officially declared the structure dangerous."
The 2016 restoration amounted to what Dilawari described as "major surgery" for the historic monument. The comprehensive restoration involved inserting an RCC retaining wall within the original stone shell to stabilize the structure, restoring the flame finial without dismantling it, repairing intricate stone carvings, and reviving the original water troughs that were discovered buried under layers of sediment.
This remarkable conservation effort earned the project the prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2017, recognizing the excellence in preservation techniques and community involvement.
Community Support and Future Plans
The current restoration project has been funded by the Rustomjee Group, whose Chairman and Managing Director Boman Irani expressed his personal connection to the project. "Mumbai was built by communities that consistently gave back to the city, and this structure perfectly reflects that legacy of altruism. Preserving such cultural heritage is crucial, and regular maintenance is key to ensuring its longevity. Since one of our offices is located in the area, this effort feels particularly personal—we take pride in supporting the preventive conservation of a landmark that defines this neighborhood."
While the inner chamber of the fountain remains closed to the public for security reasons, both KGA and Dilawari revealed that plans are underway to organize guided heritage walks once the second phase of work concludes. The annual upkeep of the clock mechanism continues uninterrupted, ensuring that the tower still performs at least one half of its original function—timekeeping for the public.
The current restoration work is expected to be completed within the next few days. According to Dilawari, this project aims to set a benchmark for how smaller but culturally significant heritage structures can be effectively protected through regular maintenance. "Preventive care every few years is the only sustainable way to ensure that such architectural gems don't fall into neglect again. This approach serves as a model for heritage conservation across the city."
