A year after completion of the first phase of restoration of the iconic Banganga tank that rests amidst Walkeshwars old residences and new multi-storeys,the 300-year-old tank is now getting ready for the second phase of work. The Archaeology and Museums Department has this time appointed conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah and renowned archaeologist Dr Arvind Jamkhedkar to assist them. However,many local residents,unhappy with the first installment of work,have said that tank is being given a modernised makeover instead of being restored. The rectangular pool,surrounded by steps on all four sides,has sweet water despite its proximity to the sea and is considered a holy place by many. The place was first developed in 1127 AD and later rebuilt along with the rectangular tank in 1715 with donations from the Walkeshwar Temple on the northern edge of the tank. The temple complex and the tank are owned by the Goud Saraswat Brahmin Trust,many of whose families still reside in small houses around the tank. The Rs 1.8-crore first phase started in September 2007 and was completed in March 2009. As part of the work,stones on the northern and southern sides were replaced with grey basalt from Nanded. But locals objected,saying the department should have preserved the old stone instead of replacing it with new grey stones placed together using concrete. The centuries old steps,that had become red and yellow due to years of pooja ceremonies,are being plucked out and thrown away without any regard. The original stones with carvings on them are being replaced by polished grey stones. This place will lose its old charm if it is given a modernised look. I dont feel like going there anymore, said R B Purohit,a 70-year-old resident. But Archaeology Department director Sanjay Patil said the original stone had become weak because of the water and some of them had developed cracks. It had become necessary to replace the old stone,but we are making sure that the place does not lose its original look and feel. We are involving experts such as Abha Lambah in phase two to help us do the job better. This phase will involve restoring the remaining steps,cleaning the water and reviving the water source, said Patil. The second phase is set to begin by the end of February and is likely to last a year. Lambah said it is possible to restore the old stone without replacing it. There are definite ways of restoring and repairing old structures without replacing them with new material. That is essentially conservation architecture and we will make sure further damage is not done. We will try to avoid replacing stones as much as we can. The need is to make the place more visitor friendly by developing approach roads and putting signages, she said. Meanwhile,Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation said the Banganga classical music festival will be put off till 2012 when the restoration work is expected to be over.
