Architect and heritage enthusiast Rahul Chemburkar of Vaastu Vidhaan, the firm appointed as consultants on the MCRP, speaks to Omkar Gokhale on how the planning authorities and other stakeholders should approach such restoration and conservation.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to restore the century-old iconic Parsi Gate at the Marine Drive promenade that was dismantled to make way for the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP). Architect and heritage enthusiast Rahul Chemburkar of Vaastu Vidhaan, the firm appointed as consultants on the MCRP, speaks to Omkar Gokhale on how the planning authorities and other stakeholders should approach such restoration and conservation.
How do you think heritage structures displaced or affected by public utility projects be restored or maintained in an effective manner?
The city definitely needs to have public utility projects. However, at the same time, we need to have a holistic approach towards development. Every city has its culture and identity. All over the world, whatever comprises cultural icons, such as Gateway of India, Eiffel Tower of Paris, are edifices that would be listed as heritage monuments.
Restoration of Parsi gate on Marine drive is an initiative that will set an example. Heritage is not just about the things included in heritage lists. It can also include the flora such as “Laburnum” Road where Mani Bhavan is situated that gives a character to the city.
What precautions should be taken before making an intervention in heritage for development projects?
Before any intervention in heritage, the authorities and other stakeholders need to first convince themselves if the same is really necessary. There is also lot of scope and potential to build something totally new with its own identity, with aesthetically soothing design.
It is not just about monuments. Railing on Tilak Bridge in Dadar has its own aesthetics. There are old stone bridges, including the one near Bharatmata theatre, which has a parapet culminating into beautiful stone pedestals. When such bridges are revamped or re-built, the same has to be done with sensitivity and need to consider they were also built for pedestrians. We all need to question ourselves whether we are not “enjoying” the city through its aesthetics.
What approach should the planning authorities adopt?
The authorities can be more inclusive and should not be rigid or bureaucratic while designing infrastructure projects and should not be dismissive of the heritage. As renowned Marathi author Va. Pu Kale said, the most democratic city would be one which is concerned about its aesthetics. Heritage should not be taken for granted as lots of multidisciplinary efforts go into creating such structures. The stakeholders do not have to find reasons or excuses about what they are proud of.
How do you think experts can get more say while designing and planning such projects?
The project authorities should take help from advisory bodies such as the heritage committee and the Commission for Art, Music and Culture under the BMC. The commission comprises experts providing assistance on how to make streets accessible, safe, clean and culturally vibrant and also propose and deliberate on installation of new murals, sculptures and restoration of heritage monuments. If the Commission does not get more proposals, it will have to be closed down and the city will suffer.
What is the role of citizens at this stage as the city will have a changed look after completion of the projects?
As a society, we need to be more mature and understanding about our heritage. Every nook and corner of the city should not be looked at from a consumeristic point of view. Even a footpath can be used aesthetically. We need to cherish and celebrate our heritage and contribute more to it for the future generations and make authorities to do so as well.
Source : The Indian Express
