Legacy plaques: BMC launches hunt for agency to compile data, document history of landmarks | Mumbai News – Times of India

MUMBAI: As part of the BMC plan to install legacy plaques at heritage spots across the D Ward on a pilot basis, Mani Bhavan, Lincoln House, Jinnah House, Khotachiwadi, Walkeshwar, Banganga, Lokmanya Tilak Garden, Blavatsky lodge, August Kranti maidan, Opera House, Banganga, and Babulnath and Mahalaxmi temples are among the locations under consideration.

“While Mumbai is known as the country’s financial and economic capital and people associate it with development, the city also has a rich heritage and history associated with it, and it is not just about tall buildings. From the pre-Independence period, the freedom struggle to Independence and thereafter, the city has witnessed events of great historical significance, which a visitor might just miss while walking through the streets,” said a BMC official. “For instance, if a visitor or even a resident passes by Mani Bhavan, the Lokmanya Tilak Garden, August Kranti Maidan or even Mangeshkar’s residence, they might not know the significance of the place. By putting up a metal plaque, visitors would learn of its significance. Besides, all that the person needs to do is scan the QR code to access information,” the official added.
The BMC’s D Ward is hunting for an agency to compile the data and document its history and significant art and architecture. The agency will be expected to carry out research and make field visits to the locations, and talk to experts and trustees of the historical landmarks or organisations, apart from visiting archives, libraries, iconic public and private precincts, including bungalows, and creating audio and videos documentation. It must conduct interviews and authenticate data and documentation. It must identify visual and performing arts too.

“Once the data is collated and information documented, it will be made available through the QR code. A heritage trail app to document it will be developed too. The plaque will be installed in a place visible to passersby. In case we put up a plaque of a prominent personality, we will take their prior permission,” the official said.
Indrani Malkani, chairperson of V Citizens Action Network, called it a good initiative as D Ward has several historical buildings. “History of the city should be propagated and people need to know its heritage. It is interesting to witness how technology can be used for quickly learning the history of a place or a structure.”