BMC Approves ₹3.84 Crore for Heritage Mayor Bungalow Renovation in Byculla

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) standing committee has officially approved a proposal to undertake a major renovation of the historic Koularu Bungalow at an estimated cost of ₹3.84 crore. Located within the lush premises of the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan (Byculla Zoo), this single-storey heritage structure is designated as the official residence of Mumbai's newly elected Mayor, Ritu Tawde. The bungalow is a protected heritage building under the Development Control Regulations, primarily constructed of teak wood and reflecting the city's rich British-era architectural legacy.

Scope of Renovation and Modernization

The project aims to modernize the interiors while meticulously preserving the building's historical integrity. The sanctioned work includes structural modifications and high-end aesthetic upgrades to ensure the residence meets contemporary standards for a high-ranking civic official. Key aspects of the refurbishment plan include:

• Structural Changes: The addition of a new bedroom and the construction of additional toilet units.
• Interior Overhaul: A complete replacement of furniture, installation of new tiles, and a total floor renovation using Italian marble on the ground level.
• Functionality: The conversion of a ground-floor auditorium into a specialized meeting room and an upgrade of the kitchen with state-of-the-art facilities.
• Heritage Aesthetics: Efforts to retain original character through the installation of antique-style chandeliers and Venetian blinds.

Cost Scrutiny and Activist Concerns

While the proposal has been cleared, it has faced criticism from transparency activists regarding the substantial increase in repair costs. RTI activist Anil Galgali pointed out that the proposed expenditure represents a sharp jump from previous years; for instance, the civic body spent approximately ₹85.87 lakh on maintenance in 2018-19, which dropped significantly in subsequent years. Opposition parties and activists have questioned the justification for spending nearly ₹4 crore on a structure that they claim is already in a habitable condition, describing it as a potentially wasteful expenditure of public funds.

Historical Context and Conservation Policy

The city of Mumbai is renowned for its wealth of historic structures, and the preservation of buildings like the Koularu Bungalow is governed by Rule 67 of the Development Control Rules. These regulations classify heritage structures I, II, and III based on their architectural and historical significance. Previously, the official mayoral residence was located at Shivaji Park, which is currently being transitioned into a memorial for Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, necessitating the permanent shift of the official residence to the Byculla premises.

Project Timeline and Future Use

The refurbishment proposal followed a formal inspection by Mayor Tawde, who emphasized the need for modern functionality within the historic framework. The project is designed to balance heritage conservation with the practical needs of a modern office, ensuring the bungalow continues to serve as a dignified space for civic governance. Construction and renovation work is expected to proceed under strict guidelines to ensure no damage occurs to the core teak wood structure or its protected status.

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