After nearly two years of restoration work, the new-look Flora Fountain was unveiled by Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray, Mumbai Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar and Assistant Municipal Commissioner, A-ward, Kiran Dighavkar, at Hutatma Chowk in Fort on Thursday.
Officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Heritage Cell said the fountain will be thrown open to visitors for the next two to three days. An official said, “We are planning to suspend work for the next three days for enthusiasts to have a look. We are still discussing the timing. As part of the second phase, we will begin work on the basalt rock base by the end of this week. The second phase will finish by the end of April.”
The official said plaques with information on the history of the fountain and the tram service will be put up during the second phase.
‘Commendable effort’
Mr. Thackeray praised the conservation team comprising the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, conservation architect Vikas Dilawari, HiTech Architects and the BMC Heritage Cell. He said, “We are developing the plaza to provide people with spaces to sit. The restoration work is commendable and we want to maintain it well.”
Sudarshan Shirsat, a BMC official who is part of the conservation team, said, “We had London’s Trafalgar Square in mind when we started working on the fountain. As it is located in the heart of the city, we wanted to create a space on the fountain’s premises where people could come and sit, take a break from work and rest.”
Officials also have plans to restore the Fitzgerald Fountain. “The fountain is in Bhau Daji Lad museum and the tendering process is under way for the 40-foot high fountain,” the official said.
An instant hit
The restored monument has already attracted the attention of the public and is proving to be an instant hit. Bijal Kara (55) was among the people who gathered to see the heritage structure.
She said, “My daughter is an architect and I have been following heritage structures for a long time time now. While the fountain has been beautifully restored, I hope it is maintained well.”
Prasoon Joshi (25), a chartered accountancy student, dropped by to admire the restoration work. He said, “I have never seen the fountain function. I have always wondered how it operated as I have heard a lot about it. I am happy as I am finally getting a chance to see it.”
Basavraj Shirodkar (69), who sells stationery on the pavement opposite the fountain, said, “For years together, we have seen the fountain in a poor shape. I am glad that I am witnessing this day when it has been brought back to its glory.”
