Fiona Fernandez: Not cool for the city

Representational ImagePherozehellip is it true what Ive heard Dr Viegas was privy to the buzz around Dhobi Talao that had reached some of his nonagenarian friends at Kyanis They were chatting about it last morning over their brunmaska routine Lady Flora checked with her old friend during their daily midnight stroll The two had to reroute their trail post the Metro III work and were now happier around Rampart Row Lion Gate and the back lanes of Colaba Sir PM Mehta rolled his eyes and adjusted his spectacles he was a tad surprised at how quickly the news had spread among their ilkWell if you must know Lady Flora he began The gods who run Victoria Terminushellipoops I mean Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus are planning to install airconditioners inside the railway station Isnt it a highly questionable and extremely debatable suggestion The timing couldnt have been more apt though The city was reeling under another humid and terribly uncomfortable May Crows and pigeons were falling off the sky and sparrows well the poor little winged fellas didnt stand a chance as water fountains spouts and pyaus vanished by the day The citys residents carried on with their daily grind and commute as they braved the elements Seasons may change but Bombaywallahs dont complain as the two icons had grown to realiseSir PM and Lady Flora were both witness to all kinds of challenges with each summer that hit Bombay Yet and somehow the idea of an airconditioned railway terminus didnt sit well with the duo You see Pheroze as she wiped a few droplets of sweat off her freshly restored face This must be just a rumour What do those old bumbling uncles sipping on their chai know about the real khabar I am pretty sure this wont go through she said trying to calm her own doubts and then convince her friend Tell me Pheroze does it make sense logistically and from a heritage viewpointSir PM was happy to take the stand Lady Flora when several great architects and urban designers most of whom hailed from the British Isles were commissioned to plan these magnificent Gothic and Victorian landmarks in a tropical city for the public a common feature that bound their plans was the focus on ventilation This was a departure from the norms of buildings in their part of the world From what I can recall of a chat with the very talented FW Stevens who designed the terminus and the corporation building his plans kept the citys humidity in mind he sharedNot only did they Indianise the style by including fine motifs and emblems that celebrated the Indian Subcontinent but they also created high arched windows and ceilings with plenty of avenues for cross ventilation that made possible for the sea breeze to pass through By now Lady Flora was all ears They had reached the iconic terminus and she gazed at the landmark with newfound reverence Pheroze this will be tragic if they were to go ahead and box up the fine architectural template of this place I cannot recall even the historic St Pancreas station having to face this kind of predicamentSir PMs face looked wrinkled with worry I know that one thing is sure to happen if this is passed ndash the station will be less of a train terminus and more of a comfortable and very very crowded sanctuary for all those who wish to nap or relax in AC comfort Heaven help us Lady Flora do please consider my suggestion to retreat to Panchgani for the summers will youmiddays Features Editor Fiona Fernandez relishes the citys sights sounds smells and stoneswherever the ink and the inclination takes her She tweets bombayanaSend your feedback to mailbagmiddaycomCatch 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 midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates