Flora Fountain revamp to begin in October

“Unlike normal road contracts where one gets a number of agencies to undertake the project work, we are looking for a specialised agency that deals with restoration work. As a result, we have refloated the tenders again this month to look for agencies that can provide specialised work in conservation and supply particular material,” said Vikas Dilawari, the conservation architect for the project.

While the original cost of the project was estimated at Rs 1.25 crore, the delay is likely to increase the proposed cost, Dilawari added. Though he denied any additions to the original plan approved the previous year, officials from the civic body cited the same as a reason for the delay in the revamp work.

“There were changes made from the architect’s side which caused some delay also. However, starting next month, we will start cleaning the moss accumulated on the fountain before we begin with the renovation work,” said a civic official who oversees heritage projects.

According to the approved plan, the present landscaped area with the fountain and Hutatma Smarak will be demarcated to give the fountain an
independent identity.

A new railing will be constructed around the periphery and the remaining area, including the current parking lot, will be paved with cobblestones to create a central square for people. Earlier this month, the civic body had also given a go-ahead for the renovation of the iconic Crawford Market in Fort from October 15 this year.

tanushree.venkatraman@expressindia.com