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Despite being restored by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation six years ago, the 162-year-old Flora Fountain at Hutatma Chowk in Fort has been inoperative for at least two weeks, with algae proliferating in stagnant water in its basin. 

While extensive work had been carried out to restore the water chamber below the structure and restart the water supply, at present, no contractor is maintaining the Grade-I heritage structure, a senior civic official told mid-day.

An allegorical figure representing the edible produce of India, seated in a niche in the portion above the basin of the fountain

According to the official, maintenance entails starting and stopping the water supply daily; preventing algae formation in the basin and water pipelines, arranging for water supply via tankers; and cleaning the basin and fountain structure.

What is being done?

>> In July 2025, BMC floated tenders for the maintenance of 22 heritage monuments in Fort, including the fountain. The tenders will be finalised over the next month, and maintenance work will begin
>> Temporary work is going on, according to officials
>> Over the past month, local sources claimed, the BMC head office has coordinated with the A ward office to clean the basin and refill the water, after learning about the sorry state of the fountain. However, such efforts are proving inadequate

Algae in the fountain’s basin, which must be refilled every 15 days to prevent greening

Waterworks

>> Water is stored in a seven-foot-six-inch-deep chamber at the centre of the fountain. Over the years, the chamber got buried in cement and concrete. It was restored by the civic body in 2017-18
>> Old pipes built into the structure are connected to the 139-year-old Malabar Hill reservoir, built in 1887, according to BMC information
>> As the present water pressure in the island city is not adequate to operate the fountain, the BMC uses water from tankers

The Flora Fountain, which was carved in imported Portland stone by Scottish sculptor James Forsyth, is in need of maintenance. PICS/ASHISH RAJE

Official Speak
A senior official, hydraulics department, BMC, 

‘At the time Flora Fountain was built, the water requirement for the city was much lower than it is at present. This has affected water pressure, not only for Flora Fountain but also for the surrounding areas. Flora Fountain may fall in a low water pressure area, as it is a business district, and we prioritise residential areas for high water pressure’

Who is Flora?

Flora Fountain was built in honour of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring. It is made of Portland stone imported from England and the fountain is 32 feet tall. It was built at a cost of Rs 47,000.

1864
Year Flora Fountain was built

40,000
No of litres of water needed to operate structure

15
No of days basin must be refilled to keep water algae-free