Mumbai: BMC’s three-phase project to restore Banganga lake

Banganga lake holds strong religious significance

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), is currently carrying out restoration work on the historic Banganga lake in three phases. Along with the restoration of the 16 historic Deepstambh (lamp pillars), major works include repairing and improving stone steps around the lake, developing a circular road known as ‘Bhakti Parikrama Marg', establishing a missing link leading to Banganga lake and removing encroachments on the steps.

Located in the Walkeshwar (Malabar Hill), Banganga lake has held religious and cultural significance for ages. Due to its heritage importance, thousands of tourists from all over the country visit the site. It has been declared a protected monument by the Government of Maharashtra under the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960, and a ‘B' class tourist destination.

Restoration of the 16 lamp pillars; Workers carefully undertaking restoration work

Temples, samadhis (memorials), dharamshalas, and monasteries surrounded the lake making it a cultural centre. Notable temples such as Venkatesh Balaji Temple, Siddheshwar Shankar Temple, Ram Mandir, Bajrang Akhara, and Walukeshwar Temple are located adjacent to the tank.

Assistant Municipal Commissioner (D Ward) Sharad Ughade said, "In the initial phase, 13 huts located on the lake entrance steps were relocated, with residents resettled in the nearby Slum Rehabilitation Project. During the restoration of the Deepstambh (lamp pillars), natural materials used in ancient times, such as a mixture of urad dal, fenugreek, barley, jaggery, and bael fal (wood apple), are being used to preserve the authenticity. The silt from the lake will be removed to prevent damage to the ancient stones at the bottom and surrounding the lake.

During the first phase, enhancements will include improving stone steps, reconstructing Deepstambh (lamp pillars) within the lake area, installing electric lighting, establishing a circular road named ‘Bhakti Marg' around the lake, developing a missing link to Banganga tank with an approved road width of 18.30 metres, and removing encroachments on the stone steps around the tank.

The second phase encompasses painting the facades of buildings visible from the Banganga tank uniformly, creating murals and sculptures on the walls of buildings adjacent to the lake, revitalising the historic and sacred site of Ramkund, formulating a comprehensive development plan for temples in the lake vicinity and outlining it systematically, as well as enhancing stone steps and roads leading to Banganga Lake.

During the third phase, a comprehensive corridor will be constructed between Banganga lake and the Arabian Sea, with slum dwellers being rehabilitated. Additionally, parks, open seating arrangements, and public spaces will be created, drawing inspiration from Varanasi. Other works will include widening Bhagwanlal Indrajit Road and rehabilitating affected residential and non-residential structures along the road line.