Sena to oppose heritage list
Shiv Sena, the ruling party in the BMC, has taken an aggressive stance on the issue of proposed heritage structures in the city. The party wants almost half of the proposed structures to be removed from the list.
The civic body has proposed to include 995 buildings, precincts and open spaces across the city in the heritage list. The BMC has set a deadline of September 30 to receive objections and suggestions from citizens. After taking them into consideration, a final list will be prepared and sent to the state government for approval.
However, the Sena has strongly objected to the list and said that it would affect the redevelopment of several structures, which are in a dilapidated state. Party executive chief Uddhav Thackeray has also demanded a removal of these structures from the list.
A senior party leader, on condition of anonymity, told The Asian Age, “We have prepared a list of more than 400 proposed heritage buildings and precincts in the city, which we want deleted from the list. The heritage status is likely to affect the redevelopment of several old properties in the city. We will submit these names to the municipal commissioner.”
To discuss the heritage issue, the party has summoned a special general body meeting of the civic house on Saturday. “We will allow every corporator to express his views on the proposed heritage structures list. Their suggestions and objections will be sent to the state government,” said House leader Yashodhar Phanse.
However, some of the Sena corporators have been caught in a catch-22 position. “Nowadays, there is awareness about the heritage issue. We are opposing the proposed list due to concerns over redevelopment of old
structures, but at the same time, we don’t want to be seen as indifferent to their importance.
Hence, we will have to present our views carefully,” a Sena corporator said.
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