They have been the epitome of Mumbai’s past. While the Sion Fort marked the boundary between British-held Parel Island and Portuguese-held Salsette Island, Mahakali caves are a symbol of the Buddhist presence dating back to 2000 years. Presently in a state of ruins and negligence, both the structures are set to get the much needed restoration.

The Archeology Survey of India will start restoration work on both the structures after the monsoon. Superintending archaeologist, ASI’s Mumbai Circle, G S Narsimhan said, “We are currently studying the old documents of Mahakali caves and the Sion Fort to know the kind of material used for their construction and their integral features. An estimate will be prepared accordingly and work will begin after the monsoon.”

To be taken up at an estimated cost of around Rs 30 lakh each, the restoration work is expected to complete within a year of its commencement.

The neglected state of the Mahakali caves came to light last year after a PIL was filed in the Bombay High Court. The HC, in its order, directed the ASI to remove the encroachments at four endangered ancient Hindu and Buddhist cave temples — Mandpeshwar caves and Kanheri caves in Borivali, Mahakali caves in Andheri, Jogeshwari caves in Jogeshwari. The Mahakali caves, also known as Kondivita caves, are carved out of a solid black basalt rock. With eighteen caves, including a Chaitya hall used for worship and viharas, which were used as residences by monks, the cave complex is among the longest in India.

But in its present status, like Jogeshwari caves, the Mahakali caves too are encroached by slums and are almost hidden in the congested locality of Andheri.

“We will protect the area by fencing with security grills. This will protect the structure from encroachments before and during the restoration work,” Narsimhan said. The Sion Fort will not need any fencing as the hillock is safe from encroachments, he said.

The Sion Fort was built by the British governor of Bombay Gerard Aungier atop a conical hillock between 1669 and 1677 and marked the northeast boundary between the British and Portuguese owned areas. The fort is currently in ruins and needs immediate restoration.