India, April 20 -- The BMC has set in motion an ambitious plan to revive 17 defunct British-era drinking water fountains, locally known as pyaavs, across South Mumbai. Once an integral part of the city's public welfare system, these structures served as a vital source of drinking water not only for residents but also for cattle and birds.

Dating back to the mid-nineteenth century, pyaavs were built primarily through philanthropic efforts by prominent citizens and charitable communities. Their restoration is now being undertaken through a fresh tendering process by the heritage conservation cell, bringing a largely forgotten aspect of Mumbai's civic and cultural history back into focus.

Architectural firm Vaastu Vidhaan has been appointe...