Mumbai: Heritage building Esplanade Mansion in shambles, a disaster-in-waiting
Mumbai's Esplanade Mansion, a 150-year-old building recognized by UNESCO as a heritage structure, is today a monument in shambles and a disaster-in-waiting. The British-era multi-story, considered to be the first building erected on pillars of cast iron fabricated in England, has got the UNESCO's recognition as Grade II-A heritage structure. Grade-II buildings are those which are of special-interest and warrant all efforts for preservation.
Balcony of building collapsed, no one injured
The alarm bells of an impending disaster were sent ringing a few days back after the collapse of a balcony of the building which houses residential units of 15 families, offices of about 200 lawyers, and some shops. Nobody was injured in the incident, however, a parked taxi was crushed. Parts of a road alongside the building have been barricaded by authorities for safety.
MHADA had put building in 'most dangerous' list in 2010
Maharashtra Housing Area Development Authority (MHADA) had put the building in the "most dangerous" list in 2010 and asked its occupants twice to vacate it. However, the tenants moved court, arguing that the building is "repairable" and MHADA should do it. The Bombay High Court observed that it was imperative that authorities took a decision on the repair work soon to avoid any "disaster".
Building is in list of 100 World Endangered Monuments
Advocate Ashok Sarogi, who has five offices in the building, secured a stay from the HC on MHADA's eviction notice after telling the court that occupants would continue to stay in building at "their own risk". The building, enrolled in the list of 100 World Endangered Monuments, has reportedly got the distinction of hosting the first film screening on the Indian sub-continent in 1896.
MHADA owes Rs. 3 crore to building occupants: Advocate
"MHADA owes Rs. 3cr to us that it collected as cess-tax over decades but did nothing. We simply want a NOC from the civic body, which is blocking the path of repair," Sarogi said. Abha Narain Lamba, a noted conservation architect, said this building shouldn't be considered an ordinary structure. "We must protect the historicity of this splendid, iconic, and majestic building," she said.
