Esplanade Mansion, 150 year old Heritage structure in South Mumbai, is now evicted on notice by Bombay High Court due to its dilapidated condition by Mhada officials.
On Tuesday Bombay High court asked Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) to submit a list of precautions to be taken while demolishing it.
It was brought to notice of judges on Tuesday by Mhada lawyer P G Lad that almost building is vacated only 64 offices are left who fail to respond to notice of eviction.
Further added by Mhada lawyer Lad that, "As deadline has expired Mhada will take step to vacate the remaining offices by breaking locks and taking movable articles in possession , make an inventory and later hand it over to respective owners."
Lad also throws light on the initiative of demolition of building which Mhada will take in recent days. The division bench comprising of justices S C Dharmadhikari and GS Patel asked Mhada officials to explain the plan for precautionary demolition which will not result in any untoward incident.
Also the bench is keen to know about the precaution Mhada will take on such busy intersection at Kala Ghoda ahead of monsoon while demolition.
The judges said every little precaution should be taken so that no part of building would cause harm, for this barricades should be put and no person should be allowed to walk in also cars should not be parked in that area. Authority shall make special provisions for pedestrians.
In a query raised by Advocate Atul Damle, appearing for occupant, regarding alternative occupation in another vicinity Bench stated to resort this dispute in lower courts also added individual suits will not be entertained when building is in dilapidated condition.
The bench has posted the matter for further hearing on June 21 by when Mhada will have to file an affidavit stating what steps it has taken. The five-floor Esplanade Mansion, formerly known as Watson's Hotel, was built with cast iron fabricated in England and was enrolled in the list of '100 World Endangered Monuments'. It is a UNESCO- recognized heritage structure.
Courtesy/By: Renu Kathale
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08 Jun 2019
