The Municipal Commissioner has said the proposed redevelopment of the historic Crawford Market in South Mumbai,will go no further until his decision.
MUMBAI: As controversy surrounds the proposed redevelopment of the historic Crawford Market in South Mumbai, the Municipal Commissioner has said the project will go no further until his decision, which he says will be taken keeping public interest in mind.
The market, a landmark in South Mumbai since 1869, was cleared for redevelopment by the general body of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai last week without any debate.
The proposal has been sent to the heritage committee of the civic body which has to give its stamp of approval.
The market, officially called Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Market, is a blend of Norman and Gothic architectural styles and still houses traders within its 22,471 square metre area.
"Besides the heritage clearance, the project will have to get environmental clearance and there is the security aspect as well since it is located close to the Police Commissioner's office and a big building could be a threat," Municipal Commissioner Jairaj Phatak said.
However, the Commissioner can take the final decision depending on public interest, he said.
The administration claims that it had filed its opposition to the proposal but its views were never invited by the Mayor during the passing of the proposal.
"We had given a statement to the Mayor opposing the proposal. However, it is the prerogative of the mayor to let us speak which was not granted in this case," Additional Municipal Commissioner Kishor Gajbhiye said.
Heritage groups like Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage had expressed their apprehensions over the redevelopment of the market due to its proximity to the Chhatrapati Shivaji railway terminus, a UNESCO heritage site.
However, Phatak said that this aspect would be considered by the heritage committee when it studies the proposal.
Following the receipt of the report from the heritage committee, the commissioner will study it, after which the final approval for the reconstruction can be given, he said.
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