A Ballard for a heritage precinct

Cyrus Guzder, member of BEWA which represents the buildings in the area, recalled that Ballard Estate, a sub-precinct of Fort area was conceived as a premier business centre between Colaba and Radio Club from the verybeginning. “It was gradually superceded by Nariman Point but still retains its special features such as spacious roads, good heritage buildings, proximity to government offices, the port trust, Custums, BMC and major institutions, hotels. It also has a fine workatmosphere.”

However, the post-70s saw a steady deterioration in the quality of the working environment, greater density and congestion, unorganised parking, the hawker menace, besides endless woes. “Today, one does not feel proud to bring a visitor and introduce the place as the island’s premier business district,” rued Guzder, adding that in the last couple of years some of the 200-odd companies listed with BEWA have decided to take up the matter in right earnest.

The study highlights some interesting facts. UDRI researcher Abha Narayan during a slide presentation pointed out that like in the larger Fort area precinct, the Ballard sub-precinct too boasts of an ensemble of neo-classical buildings. “Its image is preferred in the form of the grandeur of the Grand Hotel and Port Trust Memorial. However, compared to the contemporary situation, the ravages of time become apparent. Certain changes were effected before heritage rules were framed. But the damage is irrevocable,” she said.

The study saysthough most buildings here are in better shape than on D N Road, some have fallen into neglect. Alleys, which are thoroughfares to centre-courts are neglected. The Grand Hotel is a Grade-I Heritage structure. There are 24 Grade-II and some Grade-III buildings. While street edges are well-preserved, several buildings have built porches and additions, disturbing one’s aesthetic sense. Facades need restoration and structural repair so do the rear portions and their drainpipes. There is no hierarchy of zoning in the area, with buses and taxis parked haphazardly.

The study says that population figures, including residents and the floating populations, are pegged at 518 persons per hectare, which is quite comfortable by Mumbai’s standards. Most buildings, originally leased from the Mumbai Port Trust, have fallen into private hands and hence the onus is on corporates to preserve them, she said.

The study proposes the following: Beautifying public places to enliven the area, instructions in the form of plaques,guided tours, walking trails, sign-posts, illumination of landmark buildings at night, developing the seafront promenade and a museum, among other things.

Architect Rahul Mehrotra said there is a need for an agency to monitor and regulate the implementation and liaise with different official agencies and also have a direct link with the Heritage Conservation Committee for permissions. “Seventy per cent of the report is ready and further suggestions will be incorporated. An awareness campaign to highlight the importance of environment and heritage should also be conducted,” he said.