Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha Visits Damaged Banganga Lake Site

Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha visited the historical Banganga Lake site after a contractor damaged the heritage steps during desilting work. The damage was caused by a JCB machine used by the contractor.

The Minister contacted Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar to file an FIR against the contractor and ordered the contractor to be blacklisted. He also directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Mumbai Municipal Corporation officials to start repair work on the damaged steps immediately, which is expected to be completed within 72 hours.

Lodha instructed the formation of a local committee to oversee future work and ordered the establishment of a committee by Mumbai Municipal Corporation officials to investigate the incident. This committee will submit a report within 15 days.

The ASI criticized the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for the damage, stating that Banganga is a state-protected monument. The GSB Temple Trust, which owns the Banganga tank, has also pressed for an FIR against the BMC for negligence.

Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora targeted the BMC for misgovernance, stating that such actions will not be tolerated under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He expressed support for the GSB Temple Trust and ASI’s actions against those responsible for the mishap.