The tug-of-war over the UNESCO-listed World Heritage building of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) is pulling it to pieces, literally
The tug-of-war over the UNESCO-listed World Heritage building of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) is pulling it to pieces, literally.
In what can be termed as the first major damage to it in recent years, a pillar and decorative works on the main south facade broke off a day after railway employees staged a protest against the proposal to convert the structure into a world-class transport museum. Officials said that trade unions had tied banners to the pillar in question, and put up loudspeakers on it, which can be seen in numerous photographs of the protest.
ADVERTISEMENT
This paper's front-page report on the matter has garnered huge reaction and outrage, as it rightly should. The railway authorities have blamed the protestors, while the union that organised the protest, the Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh (CRMS), said it is not responsible for the damage. In the midst of this familiar and tiresome game of ping-pong, the real issue should not be forgotten serious damage has been done to a heritage building, and we have to think what can be done about it.
In the future, makeshift stages can be made for functions and protests, to minimise damage to infrastructure. There have to be strict rules against tying banners and equipment on pillars or any facet of these buildings. It should simply not be allowed.
A blanket ban will help, because people are apt to argue that banners or posters are very light and incapable of doing damage. The point of the matter though, is that the damage has been done. Since this is a heritage structure, it may never go back to what it used to look like. Now, it is time to do whatever little we can to fix this and, most importantly, ensure this is never repeated.
Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
