The temple’s trust has decided to buy out the adjoining properties in a bid to solve residents’ complaints about traffic and noise around the temple.
The Siddhivinayak temple is set to expand. The temple’s trust has decided to buy out the adjoining properties in a bid to solve residents’ complaints about traffic and noise around the temple.
In return, residents who sell their flats will get the current market rate and an additional 15% amount.
The present property rate in Prabhadevi ranges between Rs20,000 and Rs25,000 per sq ft.The other option being offered is relocation — a bigger flat at a nearby
location.
“If the occupant has a 1BHK flat, we will give him a 2BHK. If he possesses a 2BHK flat, he will get a 3BHK. The offered flats will be in a nearby locality, keeping in mind their proximity to work, school and colleges. The choice is theirs,” said Subhash Mayekar, chairman of Siddhivinayak Trust, adding that the trust had enough funds to buy the property.
Trust officials said talks are on with residents and a deal would be struck soon.
“We will formally call all residents and discuss this over a cup of tea. Out of 30 flat owners, four have already shown interest and are ready to move. We are offering two options — either accept hard cash or take the alternative flat,” said an office bearer of the Siddhivinayak Trust.
Revealing their future plans, Mayekar said they would probably use the property to build a bhajan and prayer hall.
“We may even demolish the entire building to expand the temple premises to accommodate maximum devotees. It is our duty to look after the millions of devotees who throng here each day and provide them with adequate place,” he added.
Most of the complaints from residents were related to traffic and noise pollution.
The Siddhivinayak temple had recently encroached on major portions of the main road to construct a security wall to safeguard the temple from anti-social elements.
Residents on adjoining properties demanded that the wall be demolished, saying that traffic jams in the area increased after one-third of the 120-foot-wide road was taken up by the wall.
However, the court said the wall had to be retained for genuine security reasons.
A trust authority said they did not wish to trouble the residents near the temple. “Besides the president and prime minister, we only allow residents’ vehicles to use the temple premises. They should understand this and cooperate with us,” he said.
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