Mumbai: Century-old seafront 'Seven Bungalows' to be demolished

12 Mar 2024 CW Team

In a secluded corner of Versova, a private gate opened to reveal a long, narrow dirt track leading to a bungalow situated near the shore. Despite the seemingly dilapidated appearance of the solid Burma teak roof, the interior boasted 20 rooms with high ceilings, a grand hall adorned with stained glass work, and flooring made of Italian Carrara marble. Two wells adorned the exterior, with one bearing an insignia tile engraved with "1900 AD," signifying the year of construction for both the bungalow and the wells.

Formerly known as Talati Bungalow, named after the Parsi family of Sorabji Talati, the current owners of the property, now renamed Rattan Kunj, are facing the imminent threat of its disappearance. On February 29, the BMC issued a notice to the property owners, instructing them to vacate and demolish the structure. The notice, issued by the K-West ward office, claimed that the structure was in a "ruinous state" and "likely to fall," based on the findings of the BMC's technical advisory committee (TAC), which assesses the condition of structures and determines if they are beyond repair.

Shaloo Rahul Barar and her two sons, co-owners of the property spanning over one acre along the Versova coast, alleged a conspiracy to force them out. Barar stated, "We are aware that an Andheri builder aims to redevelop the land and oust us by declaring the bungalow as 'dilapidated.'" She revealed that Rattan Kunj underwent a structural audit notice for the first time in 124 years, coinciding with the time when the co-owners were approached by a developer. According to Barar, the audit report indicated that the structure passed the tests, requiring only minor repairs, which were promptly addressed. Despite the other co-owners having moved out, the Barars stand as the sole resistance. Barar acknowledged a dispute between her and another faction of the family, which also has a stake in the property, as the situation unfolds.

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