Heritage association objects to toilet block near Oval Maidan
Mumbai: The Fort Heritage Conservation Association has written to the BMC objecting to construction of a new toilet block opposite Bombay High Court and adjacent to the Grade I heritage Oval Maidan.
In a letter dated May 16, the association criticized the proposed design as "a pastiche/ tasteless imitation," arguing that it disrespects the historical and architectural significance of the World Heritage precinct.
"We have earlier iterated that the toilet stands near the Grade I sites of the Oval Maidan (within 100m), the University of Mumbai, and the High Court; which are at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai'.
Additionally, this location is also a part of the Fort Heritage Precinct. As per the Heritage Control Regulations presented in Section 52 of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR), any new construction at such an important site requires 'sensitive' development in terms of mass, scale, and setting and requires conservation of its heritage and cultural significance.
Any new addition should not alter the character of the precinct.
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The new interventions could be contemporary but subtle or inspired by the original character, but should not be a pastiche/tasteless imitation of it," states the letter.
A public toilet that was earlier on the same location had been demolished.
The association stated that through documents obtained through a govt official in March 2025, they have observed that there are no updated designs nor has approval been sought from the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC).
"The designs shared continue to expand the footprint and have a flat roof with a character that is insensitive to the heritage character of the World Heritage Site. Under the guise of providing a public amenity toilet, the structure also includes Rest Rooms, Store Areas, Waiting Area, Locker Rooms/ Luggage Rooms, Shower Rooms, Changing Areas, Office Room and Record Room," it said.
When contacted, civic officials clarified that the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) had granted approval on June 13, 2024, for the construction of a toilet block in front of the high court.
"During a review meeting on December 18, 2024, the Municipal Commissioner directed that the existing Solid Waste Management (SWM) labour chowky, adjacent to the proposed toilet block, also be integrated into this structure. A unified building was preferred," said a civic official.
Revised plans were accordingly submitted to the MHCC, featuring a ground-plus-one composite building that includes the toilet block and SWM chowky.
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