Only 9 of 100 structures in mill lands can be demolished: HC

Mumbai, May 5 (UNI) Bombay High Court, while allowing demolition of nine heritage structures in two of National Textile Corporation (NTC) mills--India United Mills No 2 and 3 and New Hind Mills, however, restrained 91 such structures on private and NTC land from being demolished.

A division bench comprising justices H L Gokhale and R S Dongaonkar issued directives in response to a petition filed by Indian National Trust for Art and Heritage Culture (INTACH) and journalist Darel D'Monte to protect the heritage structures in mills owned by NTC as well as privately owned ones.

Earlier, I S P Upasani, Chairman of Maharashtra Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC), had presented a proposal stating that 23 structures had been identified as heritage structures, mainly the chimneys and water bodies, which should remain untouched.

She had also submitted a list of 16 mills where no heritage structure could be identified.

However, as per court directions today, 68 structures on NTC land and 23 in private mills will remain for further decision.

Accordingly, the court directed the Municipal Commissioner to take a decision on the proposal submitted by the MHCC within three months and submit a report to the State on August 22 about the 91 structures. Also, the state in turn will come to its decision by October 22.

The private mills listed for having heritage structures also include Century Mills, Phoenix Mills, Mafatlal Mills, Khatau Mills, Shreeram Mills among others.

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