Amid DP row, heritage panel gets a new chairman

The model regulations proposed by two consecutive heritage panels, have redefined and strengthened the provisions for Mumbai’s grade I, II and III heritage structures and precincts. It proposed a slew of measures, including a 50 per cent rebate in property tax, partial use of such premises for offices or restaurants and grant of transfer of development rights.

Most of these measures were not included in the draft DP, thus diluting the powers of the panel. The former chairman’s tenure has been mired in controversies related to non-inclusion of heritage sites in the DP, security fencing around the Gateway, the Marine Drive LED lights and the latest, a gymnasium on the promenade. The retired official said that the committee was not consulted before BMC replaced the yellow sodium vapour lights on Marine Drive. “The committee has been formed to only advice the corporation on measures. It is not an implementing authority,” Ranganathan added.

The DP had left the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) red-faced, and Jha’s appointment comes at a time when he is overseeing its revision. A former heritage committee member said, “Considering the number of errors that have to be rectified, revision of the plan is in itself a huge task. At such a time, it is difficult to digest that two of the most important bodies will be handled by one official.”

A 1977-batch IAS officer, Jha has worked as managing director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and commissioner of the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA). He has also been the Pune municipal commissioner. Jha, who has not received official orders from the department yet, said, “It would be premature on my part to comment. I will study every issue in detail before taking any decision.
mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com