Our sutradhaars wonder what lies ahead for their ilk, in light of the recent signs of wear and tear that emerged on Fitzgerald Fountain
White patches and surface wear seen on the 157-year-old Fitzgerald Fountain. PIC/ASHISH RAJE
Lady Flora was looking positively glum, reflecting the overcast skies as July’s monsoon lashed their favourite hangouts across SoBo. She found her preferred pew inside St Thomas Cathedral soon after a group of visitors had departed, and was staring aimlessly in the far distance, when Sir PM noticed her expression.
Choosing to sidestep the mood, he greeted her, “Well, hello there, My Lady! Here’s some steaming hot lemongrass tea and ginger biscuits to navigate this wet weather,” he announced, with a broad smile. “Ah! There you are. That’s kind of you, Pheroze. Tea would be just fine,” her downcast voice was a dead giveaway. “I sure need an upper, amid the news about Fitzgerald…” she began. Sir PM knew this was inevitably going to be their main topic of discussion, in light of it having made the front page in this newspaper last week. “Barely five years…imagine! How could this have happened, Pheroze? The report said that after the restoration by the Heritage Cell belonging to the civic body, things seemed alright and the fountain was well maintained. But who had factored the condition of its façade after the contract had lapsed post March 2025? Was nobody keeping tabs that such neglect, even for a few months, can cause wear and tear?” Lady Flora sighed.
Sir PM knew all too well about this scenario, thanks to his long association with his former employer. “I fully empathise. Your queries are genuine. This shouldn’t have happened. Fitzgerald would be very upset if he was alive, and had seen this kind of decay on the façade, especially after all the fanfare and effort that went into its exhaustive conservation, and finally, its move to the Dhobi Talao junction.”
Lady Flora was clearly affected. “But Pheroze, would your sources in the building be able to reveal if anything is being planned to restore it, renew the contact, after its condition was highlighted–and thank goodness for that–in this newspaper?” Sir PM was relieved that he had come suitably armed with information, given the sensitive nature of today’s session. “As a matter of fact, I do hear that talks are underway to ensure its façade is offered the necessary upkeep.” But she wasn’t fully satisfied. “What about the rest of us? So many of us are of similar vintage, and it’s not as if we aren’t ageing too; not to forget the rise in traffic emissions, and other such modern-day hazards that hasten damage to our façades… I don’t feel myself, so often, you know…who is going to watch out for folks like us? We are not the coolest ones, in case you haven’t noticed. We might be of historic significance, but what chance do we have amidst the spate of shiny new statues and installations in the city and many more in the pipeline?” she trailed off.
Sir PM smiled, hoping the next bit of news would calm his dear friend. “Now, My Lady, all isn’t bleak, trust me. Remember, the same report also mentioned a reissue of tenders, not just for Fitzgerald, but also mentioned that both of us were on the list for maintenance. Isn’t that a relief? Of course, I do hope they act fast, given that the monsoon is in full fury, and they must not wait too long, lest the vagaries of nature cause further ruin. I believe 19 such sites are going to be considered for this.” Lady Flora took a moment to digest the news. “I think that because of the anxiety that took over, I had missed reading out the last part of the news report. Very well then, let’s hope for the best. Having said that, I am still anxious about their intent to ensure it’s sensitively done, using the right materials and the right heritage experts. In the past, back in the early 2010s, I recall my conservation architect ruing the mindless rescue acts over the decades that were imposed upon my fine façade in the name of ‘restoration’, and the long hours spent to rectify those wrongs.”
Lady Flora’s anxiety seemed to have rubbed off on Sir PM, as he glanced at his own appearance, looking closely at every contour and fold. “Hmm… some work definitely needs to be done, and soon. I am going to put some pressure on my valued, fast-moving sources to get the job done. Given the multiple threats that we face, and the multiple issues that the city faces every moment, the civic gods ought to get cracking soon!” he thundered.
The downpour was relentless, and they decided to stay put. “At least we can take respite here every now and then,” Sir PM chuckled. “I hope we won’t find the other affected statues also taking abode here, lest there is a further delay in reissuing their maintenance contracts,” Lady Flora signed off, tongue firmly in cheek.
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. Send your feedback to mailbag@mid-day.com
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