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Heritage panel dicusses demand to relax norms
The Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) on Thursday discussed a proposal to revise the regulations governing heritage structures in Mumbai.
The Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) on Thursday discussed a proposal to revise the regulations governing heritage structures in Mumbai.
The Practicing Engineers, Architects and Town Planners Association (PEATA) had approached the MHCC demanding that development norms in some categories of heritage structures, like Grade-III buildings, be relaxed or revised.
“We want small things like installing air conditioners or painting a heritage building, which now requires an array of permissions. We want to put this process of permissions to be put on a fast track,” said Manoj Daisaria, president, PEATA.
Over 600 buildings, mostly in South Mumbai, will be open for development if the Grade III (see box) tag is removed.
“We are for protection of Grade I and Grade II heritage structures as they depict our origin,” added Daisaria.
“We have discussed the regulations and we will send it to the government for approval. We couldn’t discuss the suggestions given by the PEATA due to lack of time,” said Dinesh Afzulpurkar, chairman, MHCC.
If approved by the committee, many of these recommendations will find their way into the model revised regulations for Mumbai being compiled.
“The MHCC should give the owners of heritage structures incentives to maintain the heritage symbols,” said a PEATA member, requesting anonymity.
The incentives may range from waivers on property tax, entertainment tax rebate in case of theatres, monetary grants for restoration of the property, income tax benefits on money spent on conserving such properties.
“Decision on that was taken about incentives the committee will be looking into it and then a decision will be taken soon,” said Afzulpurkar.
