Aaditya Thackeray bats for heritage conservation in Mumbai

Mumbai: In a major development that will provide impetus to conservation of heritage in Mumbai, state Environment and Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday gave the nod to restoration of the Mahim Fort, Khotachi Wadi bungalow, August Kranti Maidan, and Gateway of India.

Thackeray chaired a joint meeting with top officials from the state’s archaeology, tourism department, and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials at the Mantralaya on Thursday. He reviewed progress of conservation and restoration of heritage monuments in Mumbai. Thackeray directed officials to remove human settlements and appropriately rehabilitate the residents staying near the Mahim Fort since 1970-71 in Malad area located in western suburbs.

The state had carried out a survey of the historic fort that dates back to the year 1140. The survey indicated that the monument is spread over 3,796.02 sq metre with approximately 267 structures currently on it. The government has also issued notices to 314 hutments for relocation, of which, 222 are eligible for rehabilitation as per Annexure II. The slum dwellers have been asked to submit their documents and G North Ward officials are in the process of verifying eligible slum dwellers.

“After slum dwellers vacate their homes, the corporation will carry out demolitions. After the fort is completely vacated, the restoration scheme will be initiated under the guidance of a conservation expert panel appointed by the BMC. Thereafter, administrative approvals, technical approvals, and No Objection Certificates (NOC) from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), among other bodies, will be obtained,” a senior tourism official told First India.

“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue is not visible when people enter the Gateway of India. So the restoration will begin after the monsoon. It will involve streamlining of public entrances and exits, improving the visitors’ plaza, restoring the monument,” said conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah, who attended the meet.