Two British-era cannons dating back to 1856 have been restored and put on display in two parks in Mumbai. The 3-meter-long cannons were installed by the British rulers to protect Mumbai from seaward aggression via the Arabian Sea. Both cannons bear the inscription NCPC and have the year of manufacture engraved on them. The cannons were found in the Lions Children’s Park of Ghatkopar alongside others that were dug up in various locations around Mumbai.
The restoration project was undertaken by the BMC’s Heritage Conservation Cell under the direction of BMC Commissioner I.S. Chahal and Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide. The guns were installed on pedestals at Dr K.B. Hedgewar Garden and the Lions Children’s Park in Ghatkopar. The statues resemble bastions of forts and provide history enthusiasts with a glimpse of Mumbai’s glorious past.
The cannons are proving to be popular among visitors to the parks. People of all ages are flocking to the parks daily, taking pictures, and posing for selfies with the well-restored historical landmarks. With this magnificent restoration project, the people of Mumbai will be able to appreciate and celebrate the city’s rich cultural history.