Mumbai: Civic body to give Crawford market a facelift

Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (MJP) market also known as Crawford market in South Mumbai will now be redeveloped by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The decision comes after the Supreme Court rejected the proposal of the Association of Licensees of shops to redevelop the market by themselves with the help of a developer.

Sangita Hasnale, assistant municipal commissioner (Market) said that the Supreme Court has rejected the proposal of Association of Licensees on the ground that they presented the proposal eight years after they were asked to submit. "The proposal was also not as per the guidelines of Grade-I Heritage structures," said Hasnale.

The Association of Licensees had filed a special leave petition with Supreme Court seeking permission to present their side and allow them to redevelop the market.

In 2004 and 2005, the BMC had decided to redevelop municipal markets. While permission of 12 markers was granted, the proposal of MJP was struck owing to opposition from media and residents because of its 'heritage structure' status.

The civic corporation had then appointed an inquiry committee to look into the matter. As per the committee suggestions, the consent from the Heritage Conservation Committee and Environmental Clearance needed to be obtained to redevelop the market.

Subsequently, the Association of Licensee had put forward a proposal to redevelop the market before the Heritage Conservation Committee, but it was rejected. The Heritage Conservation Committee stated that no changes can be permitted either on the exterior or interior unless it is necessary and prolongs the life of the building or precincts or any part of the structure. In that case, minimal changes would be allowed strictly in accordance with the guidelines of the Grade-I Heritage Structures. After the proposal was rejected, the Association and their architect neither submitted a fresh proposal to the Heritage Conservation Committee nor did they challenge the rejection.

Meanwhile, the BMC had started repair work as per the guidelines of the Heritage Committee. "We are compelled to undertake the repair work since many structures were in shambles," said Hasnale. She added that now an architect from MCGM panel will be engaged and after obtaining clearance from the Heritage Conservation Committee, the redevelopment work of the market will be carried out in phases.