Amid ongoing discussions between the Urban Development Department and MHADA and the case pending in the Bombay High Court (HC), members of the Federation of Residents Trust (FORT) are trying to explore other ways to save the iconic Esplanade Mansion from a possible demolition. They have written to the Culture Ministry at the Centre asking them to intervene in the matter and take measures to protect the 150-year-old structure that is listed as a World Heritage Ensemble under UNESCO.

The members of FORT sent their first letter to Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Arun Goel, on July 25, and then wrote to him again on August 30. In the letters, they have stated that neither the state government nor the civic body have taken any measures to protect the buildings in the city that are part of the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble.