Govt gives nod to Thane ZP, civil hosp reconstruction

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has granted administrative approval for the reconstruction of an 11-storey high-rise for the Thane Zilla Parishad, and also the overhaul of Thane’s Civil Hospital building as a 900- bed super specialty hospital, which falls under the constituency of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Before ascending the CM post, Shinde had held meetings and announced proposed reconstruction of these structures. The government has now sanctioned Rs73.25 crore for the reconstruction of the Thane ZP building, and Rs527 crore for demolition of 18 old buildings on Thane Civil Hospital premises for reconstruction.

The Thane ZP’s existing administrative building was constructed in 1965-66 and some portions of the building were declared “too dangerous” for habitation. With no alternative space available, the ZP is currently functioning in the same building after carrying out necessary repairs. Despite the repair work, seven of the ZP’s 15 departments function from the Thane Collectorate’s compound.

While granting administrative approval, the government also laid down conditions, which include: the building should be constructed within a period of three years, and quarterly reports of construction progress should be submitted to the government. Other instructions include ensuring the building adheres to green building norms under which it uses natural light, conserves power and water, and also deploys rainwater harvesting during monsoon.

The government has also laid down the condition that cost of reconstruction should be strictly monitored, and the building should be built within the ascertained budget of Rs73.25 crore. If that does not happen, then the ZP will have to bear any escalation in the cost.

Meanwhile, the 19 buildings in the Thane Civil Hospital complex are to be converted into a 900-bed super specialty hospital, which is to have enhanced capacity. From its existing capacity of 173 beds, it will be able to house 500 beds at a time upon reconstruction.

The capacity of its women and children’s hospital will be increased to 200 beds and another 200 beds will be installed in the hospital’s super specialty ward.

The buildings that will be demolished and reconstructed include a training centre and hostel for nurses, mortuary, Out Patient Department (OPD) and blood bank, laundry building, and medicine storage.