Found in 2004, Uttan’s British-era water supply system falls into ruin
Dating back to the 19th century, an ancient Britishera water supply system in Uttan near Bhayandar has now turned into dilapidated structure due to the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation’s years of neglect and apathy.
Constructed in 1887 by British engineers, the gravity-based water supply system is considered to be an engineering marvel as it could supply water from the reservoir located at the picturesque Dongri village near Uttan not only to nearby hamlets but also to the far-off Rai village near Bhayandar, which once housed a settlement of salt department officers. When it was discovered in June of 2004, the tank was not only found in a fairly good condition but its lid with stone carved inscriptions was also recovered.
“After the discovery, I had immediately informed the civic authorities who after much reluctance carried out a survey and assured to take steps for reviving the reservoir. But, despite reminders nothing materialized and the condition went from bad to worse,” said former municipal corporator Rohit Suvarna.
He further said that he even took up the issue with district collector, Rajesh Narvekar, when he recently visited the nearby Janjire Dharavi Fort. “I drew the collector’s attention towards the
Rohit mentioned how after much research he managed to detect the mention of the water supply system in the Bombay Presidency Gazetteer, originally printed in the 19th century. As per the gazette, the water supply scheme was successfully completed by Briton executive engineer, F B Maclaren, for conveying water from the Dongri-based reservoir to the large government staff which stayed downhill.
“Village folk continued to draw water from the springs close to the reservoir, however, during the early 60s the springs dried up and so did the tank,” recalled a local. The system was operational till 1963, but after that the place was turned into a mess by alcoholics and picnic revelers.