New policy likely to rob city of its grade-II heritage structures

Adieu to the old | MHCC writes to govt, raising objection to new clause in draft housing norms and saying that its permission be sought for carrying out work on such bldgs

Mumbai stands to lose several heritage structures and precincts if the state housing policy is cleared in its present form.

The state’s draft housing policy, in the process of receiving suggestions and objections from citizens, opens up cessed grade II heritage buildings and precincts to redevelopment by removing them from under the ambit of the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC), the city’s heritage conservation body.

In an earlier amendment in 1999, grade III cessed heritage structures and precincts were excluded from MHCC’s ambit. Since then, Mhada takes a call on their repair and redevelopment.

Grade III structures are of micro local importance, in which structural changes are allowed within a broad limit. Grade II structures are of local or regional importance, in which only internal changes are allowed.

“The redevelopment of cessed structures in grades II and III will be allowed so that residents are not deprived of the chance of better living,” states the draft.

The MHCC, whose term recently expired, has written a letter to the state, objecting the clause. “It is likely that even those structures which can be repaired and preserved will be demolished for redevelopment,” a member of the old MHCC said.

The draft policy also mentions that NOC from the MHCC will be deemed to have been granted within 60 days of application, if not granted within the period.

“The period should be extended to 90 days, which we have mentioned in the letter. Once a party applies for repair or redevelopment permissions, it takes us weeks to get the papers. We try to meet at least twice a month, but even then 60 days will be too short a period to grant an NOC,” another member said.

Last MHCC chairman V Ranganathan confirmed the development. “We have asked the state government that MHCC’s nod should be made compulsory for the redevelopment of grade III heritage structures and precincts,” he said.

A senior official from the state urban development department said the development plan being revised by the civic body will take care to ensure preservation of heritage structures.

Minister for housing Ravindra Waikar said, once finalised, care would be taken to preserve heritage structures, unless they are in a dilapidated condition.