NEWS

Old is Gold

May 21, 2018

The main issue facing Mumbai's heritage buildings is that most private owners are unable to afford the cost of repairs and are thus resorting to redevelopment, leading them to sell their property. The Girgaum heritage precinct is a case in point, where skyscrapers as tall as 12 floors have taken the place of three or four-storeyed buildings.

Incentive policy

Conserving heritage buildings today is less about preserving precious places as museums, and more about preserving the character, unique identity and history of communities where people live, work and recreate. Gleason Barretto, Coordinator of Mobai Gaothan Panchayat (MGP) says, "The government should initiate a Heritage Incentive Policy through which funds are allotted to the owners for the maintenance of the structures. Also Transferable Development Rights (TDR) will encourage owners to preserve their heritage structures. At present only some gaothans (villages) have been granted heritage status. Other localities should also be given similar incentives."

Promote tourism

The government should promote the concept of heritage tourism. These buildings could be given a new look such as that of 'heritage hotels' to attract tourists. While tourists are only aware of established landmarks such as the Gateway of India, Mumbai also has the world's second largest collection of Art Deco buildings. Even the residents of these building are hardly aware of their historical significance.

The residents or localities could be benefited through self-employment if they can welcome guests and introduce them to their local food and culture. Fashion designer James Ferreira has opened his 200-year-old house in Khotachiwadi to visitors. Ferreira’s house is a Grade-II heritage structure and is one of the few remaining houses belonging to an old East Indian village. He feels that, "This will motivate the locals to take part in their heritage-building conservation."

Modernity meets tradition

The city's Fort area is home to many colonial-era structures, which are currently being used as offices and commercial spaces. Civic activist Prakash Paddikal says, "The needs of the users of these spaces are vastly different from those for whom these buildings were originally built. Some internal modifications are inevitable to meet users’ needs. It is important that the government makes strict guidelines for such works so that heritage buildings are not modified beyond recognition. The government can also reward companies that successfully utilise and preserve heritage buildings."

Ownership rights

More than the tenants, it is the owner who feels most responsible for their property, so it would be a good idea to grant facilities to owners like concessional interest on loans for repairs and restoration of these buildings. Mohit Ramle, activist from Versova Koliwada, explains, "A majority of heritage structures was destroyed due to commercialisation in gaothans. Commercial utilisation of these spaces to an extent can preserve the essence of those heritage buildings but it would be limited. There is little doubt of how many corporates would like to open their operation centres at these places considering limited access to the regional market, space constraints and gully system. Exceptions would be banks, retail shops or sea trading companies."

Follow the rules

A heritage committee member said that a balance needs to be maintained between conservation and development. D.M. Sukthankar, Former Chief Secretary to the government of Maharashtra and former head of Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC), says, "In case of Grade-I, no changes can be done in either the exterior or interior of building. But in Grade-II and III buildings, internal changes and adaptive re-use may be allowed but subject to strict scrutiny."

Ensure clear guidelines

Additionally, the government should form an advisory committee of external experts—architects, historians, conservationists who can frame such guidelines and act as advisors on policies regarding this matter. Rajkumar Sharma, Co-Ordinator, AGNI is of the view that, "Heritage conservation should not be against the people but for the people. People have to be convinced that their buildings need to be preserved. Before giving permissions for commercial use, the government needs to ensure that natural and cultural diversity is not disturbed."

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Source: magicbricks.com