Mumbai:
Marine Drive residents have seen red over the reconstruction of another building in the area, with media reports stating that the high-rise is likely to go taller than other apartments in the vicinity.
The residents have shot off a letter to the municipal commissioner and Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) to look into the matter before it spoils the 'heritage precinct' of the area.
The letter, sent on Friday by president of Federation of Churchgate Residents Ashok Rao, points at construction of Vasant Sagar building on A Road, Churchgate. The letter states that the upcoming building would violate the BMC notification declaring the area as Marine Drive Precinct, as per its 18 July, 1999 notification.
As per the notification, in 'A' ward the height of the buildings after reconstruction shall be limited to the existing height of the buildings of similar age in the surrounding area.
"We are planning a meeting of all the secretaries of buildings in the area this week and will go in for a writ petition," said Rao.
H Uberoi, another local, said, "One construction will let all builders salivating for more."
"We all are concerned and are supporting him. If it ends up being a very tall structure, it will affect the character of the place adversely," said Anil Bhatia, member of Marine Drive Residents Association.
Historian Sharada Dwiwedi, who has written several books on city's heritage, echoed the concerns. "Do people even know that Mumbai is only country in the world to have second largest Art Deco buildings? Miami charges thousands of dollars to see these Art Deco buildings and live in Art Deco hotels."
Municipal commissioner Swadhin Kshatriya said, "I would like to go through the representation and rule and regulations and then take a call. It is an important factor and matter of concern as heritage is important for any redevelopment. There is another case of Khotachiwadi."
Vishal Chadpal, site engineer of Orbit developers, working on the project, declined to give information on the project. "I have joined a few days ago and do not know anything. You come tomorrow," he said.
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