Esplanade Mansion: HC fears big disaster

The building is dilapidated and it’s going to be a disaster. JUSTICE RANJIT MORE AND JUSTICE ANUJA PRABHUDESSAI , HC bench

MUMBAI: The Bombay high court on Wednesday said Esplanade Mansion building in Fort is a “major disaster” waiting to happen, as the heritage structure is likely to collapse anytime.

“The building is in a dilapidated condition and it is going to be a major disaster,” said the division bench of Justice Ranjit More and Justice Anuja Prabhudessai referring to the only cast iron structure in Mumbai. As of now, 15 families and 208 tenants live there. The judges also referred to the collapse of a part of a balcony of the building, crushing a taxi two days ago.

HC was hearing a petition filed by advocate Ashok Saraogi challenging a notice issued by Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) that asked tenants to vacate the building immediately, as it has been declared unfit for habitation. Saraogi alleged that though the building is repairable, the landlord is not interested in getting it repaired. Mhada also supported him saying the landlord has not carried out the necessary repairs. Its counsel PG Lad said Mhada wanted the occupants to vacate the building and they had given undertakings to HC saying they continue occupation at their own risk. The landlord, however, claimed he was willing to undertake repairs, but could not do so for want of the civic body’s permit.

HC has now directed Saraogi to add Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee as party to the petition and issued it a notice. Lad also pointed out that the cost of repairs will be very high, as the structure is of cast iron.