Bhikha Behram repairs: Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee orders stop-work!

Conservation body asks trustees for renovation report from architect

The Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee has asked trustees of Bhikha Behram Well to stop the repair work and sought the report of the conservation architect employed for the project. The body held a hearing on the matter on Wednesday after allegations that the trustees did not seek a no-objection certificate before starting the work. The trustees, however, have claimed that no damage was done to the original heritage structure.

The renovation was brought to the notice of the authorities by activist Zoru Bhathena who, on Monday, wrote a letter to the heritage committee as well as the BMC’s A ward office. Taking cognisance of the complaint, the MHCC held the hearing on Wednesday.

Ceramic tiles kept on the Bhikha Behram Well premises. Pic/Zoru Bhathena

Burjor Anita, chairperson of trustees of Bhikha Behram Well, said, “We had to take up repairs urgently because there was seepage of water and the surface had become slippery, posing a risk to visitors. We have already stopped the work. The committee has ordered us to submit the report of the conservation architect. We will submit a report regarding repairs.”

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MHCC Chairperson Dr Ramnath Jha did not respond to mid-day’s calls and messages. Bhathena had in the letter pointed at the raising of the compound floor and changing the tiles on the floor and had also furnished relevant photos. He said, “We hope the work is done in a heritage-friendly manner to enhance and add value to the 300-year-old monument.”

Bhikha Behram Well, built in 1725, is a grade-1 heritage structure. As per regulations, grade-1 heritage structure status is bestowed upon buildings and precincts of national or historic importance, embodying excellence in architectural style, design, technology and material usage. The guidelines also mandate that one needs to take permission from the MHCC before carrying out any repairs of such structures. 

1725
Year when the well was built

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