BMC to instal ‘Legacy Plaques’ at 100 culturally significant locations in D ward

Speaking to The Indian Express, Sharad Ughade, assistant commissioner of D ward said, “Mumbai, especially the D ward, has a lot of heritage structures and several freedom fighters are also associated with this area, but very few people are aware of it. For example, even when people pass by Mani Bhavan, they don’t realise the significance of the place. If we put up the legacy plaques, people will become more aware.”

An aerial view of the Jinnah mansion in Malabar Hill. (Express photo)

“Though the concept of a plaque is traditional, we are introducing technology intervention in the form of QR codes. Furthermore, we will also put the information on an app in the future, which will assist people who want to go on heritage walks or even educate students and history buffs. Later, we will also try to add information on Google Maps,” he added.

Built in brass, each plaque will cost approximately Rs 8,000. Researched data pertaining to the significance of the site is slated to be embedded into a QR code, which will also be put up on the plaque.

Slated to be undertaken in two phases, the civic body is eyeing to wrap up works and complete the installation over a period of six months. While the first phase entails background research and documentation of the location’s history, the second phase will comprise installation of the plaques in finalised 100 locations. “Once the contractor is appointed, the first phase will commence wherein the selected agency will appoint a historian or a specialised person to undertake research through field visits to archives, libraries as well as iconic public and private precincts. Photography and videography will be carried out wherever possible and the authenticated data will then be prepared into a report by the contractor, which we will review,” said a senior BMC official.

The August Kranti Maidan, where Mahatma Gandhi gave the Do or Die slogan as part of the Indian Independence movement. (Express photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)

He added, “We will shortlist 100 locations on the basis of the report, following which in the second phase, the final groundwork and installation will commence.”

According to officials, the agency will be appointed by September 15, following which work on phase one will commence.

“Anyone curious about the history or the significance of the place will be able to read all the details simply by scanning the QR code on the plaque. The knowledge of history will build a sense of pride among the local community as well as enhance tourism,” the official told The Indian Express.