Mumbai Mayor grants stay to the excavation which pollutes historic water source of Banganga

Demands of ‘Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’ and ‘Gaud Saraswat Brahman Temple Trust’ accepted

Mumbai : A building is being constructed by a private developer near Banganga Jalkunda in Walkeshwar, the historical and cultural heritage of Hindus. Due to the excavation work done for this purpose, the pure water coming naturally from Banganga Kunda has turned completely muddy and this water source has become polluted. Due to this construction, this historic water source is in danger of disappearing forever in the future. Therefore, this construction and the ongoing excavation work should be stopped immediately and permanently, demanded the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and the ‘Gaud Saraswat Brahmin Mandir Trust’ along with other Hindu organisations. The demand was made during the meeting with Mrs. Kishori Pednekar in person. After this demand, the Mayor immediately visited the spot and inspected the Banganga lake. Since the excavation is contaminating the water source of Banganga, the Mayor directed to stop the work till the relevant developer submits the report of the geologist to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. During the visit, Prashant Gaikwad, Assistant Commissioner, D Ward, Secretary Shashank Gulguli, Project Officer Ritwik Aurangabadkar, the president of ‘Gaud Saraswat Brahmin Mandir Trust’ Mr. Praveen Kanvinde and Satish Sonar of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti were present.

Speaking at this time, Mayor Mrs. Pednekar said, “There are complaints that the water source of Banganga is being polluted due to the ongoing construction near Banganga. A complaint has been also lodged by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti. Banganga is a historical and ancient heritage place. This historical place should not be destroyed. To keep this natural water source alive, the Municipal Corporation’s ‘D’ Ward Office has issued a notice and asked to keep the construction work “as it was”. Following the report of the geologist, a decision will be taken to keep this natural water source permanently alive. If the builder is working there at night, he will be dealt with according to the Municipal law”. Hindu Janajagruti Samiti thanked the Mayor for her immediate action on the receipt of the complaint made by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti on 31st December.

There was no water to anoint Deity Shiva’s Pind (Shri Walukeshwar) which was made from sand by Prabhu Shriram. The saltwater of the sea was around; therefore, Shriram shot an arrow and brought the river Ganga here. Hence the name ‘Banganga’ for this lake and Walkeshwar for this area. There is a large temple of Shiva and other Deities, as well as a Mutt. People from far and wide come here for Darshan. In the recently concluded winter session of the Legislature, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Mr. Uddhav Thackeray had announced that the State Government would come up with a plan to conserve the ancient temples in the State which have the cultural heritage. Therefore, there is a feeling among the people that the Mayor has paid prompt attention to this issue.