Realty woes: 868 more sites likely to get heritage tag

In a city where every inch of land available for construction comes with a price tag, the civic heritage committee’s proposal to add 868 new structures, sites and precincts to the list of heritage properties has sparked off a heritage versus redevelopment debate.

While the existing list inclu-des 633 heritage sites, most of which are in the island city, the 868 new structures, sites and precincts proposed to get the heritage tag are located in south Mumbai, Dadar, Prabhadevi, Mahim, and in suburbs such as Bandra, Chembur, Borivli and Sewree.

The heritage property tag is given to buildings and precincts of national or historical importance, or structures that are an example of excellence in architectural style. Restrictions are put on construction or reconstruction at these precincts.

The flip side of the proposal is that it would affect redevelopment plans of several old buildings across the city. The proposed Shivaji Park heritage precincts would include buildings and structures within 300 meters of the park periphery and could also include MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s residence — Krishnakunj.

On Tuesday, Shiv Sena and MNS opposed the proposal saying that redevelopment and repair of many old buildings in central Mumbai would become difficult if the proposal was cleared.

But V Ranganathan, chairman of the heritage committee, said the list was a proposed one and could undergo changes. “The list has been uploaded online so objections and suggestions can be made,” he said.