Flora Fountain’s distress is a wake-up call Mumbai can’t ignore

Sir PM comforts a downcast Lady Flora, who was recently in the news for all the wrong reasons. This was the first time since our sutradhaars started their midnight stroll, over 14 years ago, that he saw her in such an avatar. Illustration/Uday Mohite

Lady Flora looked distraught. She was in the news, and for all the wrong reasons. Sir PM treaded cautiously towards her pedestal. It was the first time since they started their midnight stroll, over 14 years ago, that he saw her in this downcast avatar. This newspaper broke the news about the stoppage of water from the fountain's spouts, and that stagnant water with algae had accumulated in its basins. This was the condition of the city's most famous fountain for nearly two weeks. The reason for the neglect was that the structure had no maintenance contractor despite conservation work having been undertaken by the BMC some years ago. After the Page 1 reportage, the civic body swung into action and ensured the heritage structure received some much-needed TLC.

"That a Grade-I heritage structure has to undergo such neglect is most humiliating. I recall that it was restored six years ago by the civic body. That no maintenance contractor has been tending to your upkeep is upsetting. I can only imagine your state of mind, my Lady," Sir PM sighed. "I'm going to request my former bosses for an assurance to ensure that you are safeguarded at all times. If this is your plight, God help the other heritage structures that are not in the public eye. Luckily, mid-day spotted this gross injustice, and called out the decay that you had to silently bear," he comforted her, trying to look at the positives from the situation.

Lady Flora wiped her face of a few tears; it was unlike her to show weakness. "To think that we raise our voices to support ignored structures, and now it's come to our own backyard. Pheroze, I heard that this is temporary; does that mean a repeat might occur?" she enquired. "Based on mid-day's report, tenders for maintenance of 22 heritage monuments in Fort, including your fountain, were floated. These tenders are expected to be finalised by next month, so maintenance work can commence. I hope they stick to timelines," Sir PM assured his friend.

Lady Flora was a tad shaken, so both friends chose to sit by the pedestal instead of going on their midnight stroll. "For a city that boasts of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and countless awards from the same platform for many successful conservation efforts, this is unfortunate. We gladly accept these accolades, and then forget about its long-term maintenance until something major is highlighted, as in this case. Didn't you win an Honourable Mention at the UNESCO Asia Pacific Region Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2019? To think that we have to witness such a slide!" he remarked.

"Look at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Its caretakers ensure the maintenance of this cluster site of temple ruins is on track despite massive footfalls and other pressures of extreme tourism," Sir PM informed, as he pulled out his mini diary. "There! I knew we had discussed this a while ago. The civic body has a functioning Heritage Committee. They must be the eyes and ears, the watchdogs, to ensure that such scenarios around the city's historic landmarks don't reach such dismal situations. They should make all stakeholders accountable. If funding is lacking, the city's philanthropic spirit will come to the fore. Remember, we were once referred to as the ‘Urbs Prima In Indis' (Latin: Premier City of India). That well-earned title seems to be under threat."

"Pheroze, I wish we had the answers. Amidst tenders and contracts, I feel priorities have gotten lost somewhere. We have immense expertise; why can't the intent come naturally?" rued Lady Flora, aware that her existence after 162 years was in the midst of a challenging period. "We've safeguarded the city's interests always; I am hopeful that the civic gods turn a corner," he smiled, silently praying that his friend's recent travails never return, and she be deservingly restored to her former glory.

mid-day's Features Editor Fiona Fernandez relishes the city's sights, sounds, smells and stones...wherever the ink and the inclination takes her. She tweets @bombayana
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