The Archeaological Survey Of India (ASI) will soon ensure that the peepal shoots are removed from the iconic Gateway of India. The structure, which is already showing signs of getting withered due to atmospheric changes, is also under threat from at least 15 shoots of peepal that have started growing on it.
What's troubling the monument?
dna in its December 24 edition had reported how atmospheric changes and peepal shoots have set the alarm bells ringing. The structure, which is over 90-year old, is the most favourite tourist spot in the city.
What will ASI do?
ASI, Maharashtra has taken serious note of the issue and have also visited the spot. "We visited the spot and noticed the newly-grown shoots of peepal. We are going to undertake chemical conservation of the structure and also address this nature's threat. An army function will be organised in first week of January and the army usually cleans the main structure by washing it. We have requested the authorities to pluck them if they could. Rest of them will be uprooted by us," said Dr Maya Patil deputy director, ASI, Maharashtra.
Officials from the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums in Maharashtra said that they have written to ASI in Lucknow for the chemical treatment for conservation.
Peepal trees are known for spreading their roots fast and deep. The growth of the shoots in the structure has made local fishermen, ferry operators and the photographers at the Gateway a concerned lot. Fishermen and ferry operators have been keeping a close vigil on the historical structure.
When was Gateway constructed?
The structure, erected to commemorate the landing King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder, when they visited India in 1911, is built in Indo-Saracenic style. The design of George Wittet was sanctioned in 1914 and the construction of the monument was completed in 1924. The monument has faced three terror attacks — twice in 2003 and one in 2008, when four gunmen attacked the Taj Mahal hotel.
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