One of the most iconic locations in the world will be forever damaged if tall buildings are allowed to occupy the Marine Drive. It is entirely fitting that the HC smacked the authorities.
For the third time in twelve years, the Bombay High Court intervened to preserve the distinctive character of the Marine Drive precinct. In contrast to the five- or six-story structures facing the sea, the court halted the 2023 standards that allowed the height of the buildings in the second row and beyond the Art Deco buildings to rise to 58 meters and above—15 stories or more. UNESCO declared the Art Deco structures at Marine Drive and Oval to be a World Heritage Site.
In contrast to the then-dominant Victorian or Gothic style, the roughly 35 buildings that line the seafront were constructed on reclaimed land almost a century ago. They draw inspiration from modernism and the industrial boom while also paying homage to the sea through various design elements. The precinct had a “high degree of integrity in visual, spatial, and planning terms,” according to UNESCO, because they created a consistent skyline until Nariman Point was constructed.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and the Maharashtra government have been making a lot of effort to enable towering buildings behind this front row so that builders can benefit. By doing this, one of the most famous locations in the world will be permanently destroyed and the Marine Drive will be visibly damaged. The HC rapping the authorities is only fitting.
Dr. Abhishek Verma
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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