Heritage nod for Bal Thackeray memorial at Shivaji Park

The Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) on Saturday gave approval for the construction of ‘Smriti Chauthara’ in memory of former Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray at Shivaji Park.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation officials said the civic administration had moved the proposal in June this year, which had got a go-ahead from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority last month as it falls under the Costal Regulation Zone.

A senior civic official said, “As Shivaji Park is a Grade I heritage site, the proposal was also placed before the heritage committee for its nod.”

MHCC chairman V Ranganathan said, “The proposal includes landscaping and planting some saplings, not construction of something new at the site. Hence, we have given a go-ahead.”

As per the norms, no construction is allowed in/on Grade I heritage structures and sites.

An MHCC member said, “Only restoration or preservation work can be carried out with the due permission from the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee.”

On June 10, dna had reported about the civic body’s proposal to construct the ‘Smriti Chauthara’ at Shivaji Park.

Sena leaders are planning to complete the work before the first death anniversary of their late leader.

A Sena leader said, “This was the last hurdle... We will start work in full force and will make sure that it is completed before November 17, which is the first death anniversary of our supreme leader.”

He added that thousands of people may throng to the park to pay homage to him on his first death anniversary.