Mumbai: The historic Bhikha Behram well in Churchgate is undergoing major restoration work in preparation for its tricentennial later this month.

The well is a sacred site for Parsi-Zoroastrians who gather here for prayers every day. On special days like 'Ava Roj' or 'water day', larger congregations gather there to revere the water element.

While the well dates back to the 18th century, the canopy with stained glass was built in the early 20th century with stone and Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC). The well is a protected monument and listed as a grade II A structure in Mumbai's heritage list.

Percy Siganporia, a member of the Bhikha Behram Well Trust, said that there will be a religious gathering on March 21 to celebrate the anniversary. "There was some important repair work that had to be done before that. We hope to finish the work in two weeks. We have received help from corporator (former) Makarand Narwekar,” said Siganporia.

As the structure is a listed monument, permission from the municipal heritage conservation committee is required for any repairs.

The last major work at the site was after the covid epidemic when the height of the compound was raised to prevent flooding during the rains.

Kirtida Unwalla, conservation architect who is in charge of the restoration project, said that the current phase involves maintenance of the building and the infrastructure around it. “No maintenance work was done. They did a lot of things that should not have been done, like painting the stone. There are cracks on the beams,” said Unwalla who added that the restoration will be completed before the anniversary.

The well was built by a businessman, Bhikaji Behram Pandey as a source of drinking water for travellers passing by in bullock and horse carts. When the Bombay High Court, the University of Mumbai, and the Central Telegraph offices were built in the late 19th century, the well supplied drinking water for the workers. Later, carts carried water from the well to offices in the area.