BMC takes up Parsi Gate in Marine Drive for restoration work

The Parsi community, that looks forward to praying at the Parsi Gate at Marine Drive opposite the Taraporewala Aquarium, can soon expect to see their heritage restored. Two vertical pillars along with the steps of the Gate are being taken up by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for restoration work. The corporation and the Parsi community, however, have not received factual details about the Parsi Gate.

"We have started the work and it should be completed in a month's time. The restoration work is part of the plan to restore all heritage structures," said a senior official.

The restoration was required after one of the pillars had dislocated at one of the points due to rusting in the iron leading it to it tilting slightly, some portion chipped, algae growth on the pillar and the steps and broken and uneven steps.

"The place has religious significance to the Parsi community. We are still working on getting the history of the place," said the officer. Parsi journalists, members of the community, orthodox Parsis and even curators of Parsi museum have not been able to provide factual information.

"As of now the only thing we have is that when the Marine Drive promenade was made, this part was left open for Parsi Gate because Parsis offer food and prayer to water," said Maneck Dastur, a Parsi who had approached the BMC for restoration work when he was told that the BMC is doing it on its own.

"On Ava Roz of Ava month, Parsis go there to offer food and prayers to water. But the history of the place is still not traceable," said Jehangir Patel, editor of Parsi community magazine, Parsiana.