Citizens say no to Mantralaya makeover

The state government’s ambitious Mantralaya makeover has left citizens fuming as the project will further cripple the congested Nariman Point-Churchgate area. According to an estimate, 13 lakh sq ft of new space will be added on the 2-km stretch surrounding Mantralaya. This includes construction of an auditorium, the seventh floor of the main Mantralaya building, and residential towers.

“Not just the degradation of this beautiful heritage precinct, which has the finest art deco buildings in the world, the so-called modernisation will increase congestion with hundreds of cars plying on the narrow roads,” said Shyam Chainani, an environmentalist.

Also, the government is set to delete the reservation of a 16,000 sq mt garden to facilitate construction of six 30-storey towers. They will be constructed on Madame Cama Road, where currently 20 ministers have bungalows. Said historian Sharada Dwivedi, “These bungalows were temporary wartime barracks which were to be demolished after the war, but got converted as ministers’ residences.” “People’s opinions don’t matter. The elected representatives change the development plan when it suits them,” Dwivedi added.

Former municipal commissioner SS Tinarikar said that all governments since Antulay’s time have been advocating the idea of decongesting south Mumbai. “I find this government’s policies have put a strain on the infrastructure,” he said.