Bombay Gymkhana fends off charge of heritage neglect – Times of India

MUMBAI: An activist has filed a complaint with the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) alleging norm violations in the angling repairs at the Bombay Gymkhana.
In his complaint, activist Deepak Kante alleged that walls have been broken at the club one of the oldest in the country without MHCC’s permission. “All heritage norms are being broken. The ceiling and pillars are covered with bison board and the appearance of the verandah is being changed, not maintaining the heritage structure and style. Bison panels are being placed all over the walls and ceiling, and even on the pillars, in a violation of heritage norms. The pillar style and the ceiling style and look have been changed,” Kante said in his complaint.
The Bombay Gymkhana on its part maintained that there were no violations of any heritage norms. “We are a 146-year-old sporting institution and take great pride in our heritage and culture. Owing to the age of our structure, we carry out a maintenance exercise of painting, polishing and repair work every year. We have never intended nor ever intend to violate the heritage norms, or alter in any way the character of our iconic premises,” said Bombay Gymkhana CEO RN Ranjan.
MHCC chairperson Ramanath Jha did not respond to a query from TOI.
According to heritage norms, prior approval from MHCC is required for repairs or making any changes to designated heritage structure.
Kante’s complaint further reads: “It is surprising that the authorities have taken no cognisance of the rampant violations. Not only should a show cause notice be issued to stop work till heritage approval is given, but they should be penalised. Also, the land lease should not be renewed unless the statutory obligations are assured in future projects.”
Interestingly, in 2016, the Bombay Gymkhana and BMC were in a major tussle over a road widening project, for which the civic body wanted the elite club to give up a portion of its sprawling grounds. At the time, the Bombay Gymkhana had claimed that the entire estate, including the sprawling grounds, was a listed Grade IIA heritage property and could not be altered.