Locals protest Khotachiwadi demolition…….Ashley DMello
Mumbai: Scores of people,including college andschoolchildren,on Sunday signed up to mourn the demolition of Khotachiwadi,a notified heritage precinct in the city.
The unique protest,titled Requiem for Khotachiwadi,was initiated by the village residents to protest against the breaking down of the 150-yearold structure,which had been sold to builders.
Activist James Ferreira said they had decided to take out a march,light candles and sign a register to mourn the demise of the village as the demolition of the house had begun.
We were warned by the police not to stage a march, said James,who pointed out that it was local Shiv Sena activist,Anand Savelekar,who came to the aid of the heritage lovers and stopped work on the building site.
Since the police did not allow us to stage a march,we have decided to hold another meet and march next Saturday.Citizens organizations will take part.We need to fight for the heritage of this city and point outhowtheseheritagelaws are being flouted with impunity, said Ferreira.Khotachiwadi has come under siege from builders who want to take over theoldcottages andhouses and develop them into buildings.
* HERITAGE LOST: Residents gather at the 150-year-old structure in Girgaum on Sunday