SRA panel to meet Aug 14 on Willingdon Colony row

In 2009,the 5.5-acre Willingdon Colony was sold by Bombay Co-operative Housing Society to Sumer Associates for Rs 70 crore. The builder had proposed redevelopment of the colony with SRA approval. Residents opposed the plan,citing that the houses were of heritage value,and cannot be considered slums. Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) had listed the colony in their list of proposed heritage structures and also declared its objection to the demolition.

However on June 6,Sumer demolished five of the 69 century-old bungalows in the colony,before further demolition was halted by SRA on an order by the municipal commissioner. Meanwhile,some residents also secured a stay on the demolition from Bombay High Court. The HC had told the HPC to find a solution acceptable to both parties. As per the redevelopment scheme,the builder is to offer houses to all 230 residents. “There is no paper or agreement from the builder stating the offer. We cannot leave our houses based on vague promises by the builder,” said a resident.

“I have written to the HPC saying the structures in Willingdon Colony attract all heritage regulations. The houses are in a heritage precinct,” said MHCC chairman V Ranganathan.

SRA chief executive officer Nirmal Deshmukh said,“SRA laid a stay on the demolition,but now it has been lifted.” Sumer had announced on August 2 that it was going to resume demolition. However,the residents’ lawyer,Abhishek Bhire,said,“The residents are protected by a HC stay order dated June 8,that prevents demolition until HPC meets and decides on a solution.”

Of the 69 houses in the colony,25 are occupied.

Ramesh Shah of Sumer Associates claimed,“We are not doing anything unlawful. The residents are being prompted by a rival builder who has been vying for the property for more than 30 years.”

abdullah.nurullah@expressindia.com