Mid-Day impact: Historic Flora Fountain springs back to life after BMC steps in

Flora Fountain, whose basin contains stagnant water and algae, wears a neglected look on Wednesday, March 11(right) The 162-year-old structure on Sunday, following a clean-up by civic workers. Officials stated that regular civic staff will take care of the fountain until the tender for its maintenance is awarded. PICS/ASHISH RAJE

After mid-day highlighted the sorry state of Flora Fountain, from which water had ceased to spout, the BMC cleaned the basin of the Grade-I heritage structure in Fort and operated it on Saturday evening. While the fountain was not operational on Sunday afternoon, BMC officials confirmed that it would be operated daily with the help of regular civic staff.

Official Speak

A senior civic official

Flora Fountain, whose basin contains stagnant water and algae, wears a neglected look

‘The department was instructed to start operating the fountain every day with the help of BMC staff until the contract for its daily maintenance is awarded'

Waterworks

The 162-year-old structure on Sunday, following a clean-up by civic workers. PICS/ASHISH RAJE

>> Water is stored in a seven-foot-six-inch-deep chamber at the centre of the fountain. The chamber got buried but was restored by the civic body in 2017-18
>> About 40,000 litres are needed to operate the fountain