BMC’s Flora project in limbo

Mumbai: The beautification project of the Flora Fountain is in a limbo, as the civic body is yet to appoint any contractor to complete the second phase of the revamp programme. According to the Heritage Cell of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), fresh tenders will be invited for the sixth time now. The reason behind the delay is said to be the high charges demanded by the contractors for carrying our the project. The second phase of the beautification programme includes revamp of the fountain premises by creating a garden, sitting space and colourful lights.

“We have invited bids for the sixth time now to complete the beatification project. The contractors who showed interest earlier were demanding higher rates, so now we are inviting bidders again,” said a senior civic official from the civic heritage cell. 

The 150-year-old heritage monument was taken into restoration by the civic body last year and a proposal for the same was passed in the civic standing committee meeting. “The restoration works are nearly done and the fountain can be thrown open to public by October end,” added the official. 

The beautification work was to be completed in two phases. Phase one, which has been completed, consisted of restoration work on flora fountain along with laying marbles and repairing the fountain and its pumping system. The second phase involves revamping the fountain’s adjoining area. The fountain is being restored using the vapour technique, which involves applying steam on the structure so as to remove dirt and algae and recover its original look. The civic body had appointed M/s Vikas Dilawari as a consultant for restoration and beautification of the fountain. Mr Dilawari is a conservation architect.