The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Standing Committee chairperson, Prabhakar Shinde, has directed the civic administration to commission a third-party audit by reputed conservation experts to oversee the maintenance of heritage structures and statues across Mumbai. This directive came during a committee meeting on Wednesday, where a proposal for the appointment of a contractor for the upkeep of six heritage water fountains and 16 statues in the heritage precincts of Fort, at an estimated cost of Rs 2.37 crore, was tabled.
Concerns Raised by Committee Members
Shiv Sena (UBT) member Yashodhar Phanse questioned why the statue of late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray was not included in the list of structures covered under the proposed contract. In response, the civic administration clarified that the statue is maintained at the ward level and thus not part of this central contract. Other members also expressed concerns about the deteriorating condition of several statues across the city.
Demand for Transparency in Conservation Work
Shiv Sena member Yamini Jadhav pointed out that the proposal lacked specifics on how the conservation work would be carried out and did not detail the contractor's experience in heritage preservation. She emphasized the need for clear guidelines and qualified contractors to ensure proper restoration. The committee stressed the importance of preserving Mumbai's rich heritage and ensuring accountability in maintenance efforts.
