The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is for the first time planning to appoint a private agency to maintain heritage structures. Earlier, the civic administration would appoint private agencies to restore heritage structures. This time, however, the private agency will also be responsible for its maintenance and security.
Pyaus, fountains and statues made of bronze and marble are the various structures included for maintenance. A few of the 27 structures chosen by the municipal corporation include Flora Fountain, Fitzgerald Fountain, the statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Swami Vivekananda at Gateway of India, etc.
In recent years, for the preservation of heritage value, the BMC restored some of these structures. It also includes the 154-year-old Fitzgerald Fountain. A heritage tag is given to the structure based on its age, cultural and historical relevance, and its location.
Also read: BMC To Undertake Beautification Of Bal Thackeray Statue
So far, no contract was awarded to private agencies for upkeep and security of the structure, said senior officials from the heritage cell. Henceforth, they will include a clause for maintenance as well in their contract, claimed accounts.
The contract will cost INR 1.03 crore which will be awarded to an agency for three years. After the proposal is cleared by the standing committee, the civic body will issue the work order.
Meanwhile, the BMC is reported to undertake a prominent restoration and beautification activity of the Worli Fort.
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