These were documented and numbered by a team of conservationists led by a heritage expert, our report revealed.
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The last span of the century-old Elphinstone Bridge was brought down to pave the way for a double-deck connector, but the old structure’s plaques will be embedded in its replacement.
MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner helped get funds sanctioned for the endeavour, the BMC Heritage Cell coordinated with MMRDA and Railways to save all the basalt stones and arches of the bridge. These were documented and numbered by a team of conservationists led by a heritage expert, our report revealed.
The earlier example of such restoration is the use of pillars from the old Reay Road bridge, which are now living a second life in the August Kranti Maidan entry gate wall, our front page report said.
It was music to our ears to note in the report that an executive engineer of the civic body’s heritage conservation department stated that stones and arches saved from Elphinstone bridge will be used appropriately for heritage conservation and plaques will be embedded in the new design of the bridge.
While this has to happen, there is at least an intent, will and solid effort to preserve the city’s history in the best way possible. When our infra authorities themselves take cognisance of the historical importance of certain facets of Mumbai and make a concerted effort to preserve this, then even, citizens are enthused about conservation and preservation.
We do not have a good track record when it comes to respecting history, recognising its import in many spheres. These initiatives will make people much more aware of the ‘gems’ amidst our everyday lives. One does not have to visit a museum to experience this; we will see it all around us.
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