Today, this paper supports the Urban Design and Research Institute (UDRI) in its push to give Mumbai its third UNESCO World Heritage site. Mumbai’s Oval precinct, which includes the Oval maidan and the art deco and Gothic-Victorian styled buildings on both sides of the maidan, is being touted as one of the contenders for UNESCO’s stamp.

Experts have stated that the area is a worthy nominee for the honour as the precinct is a unique and arresting blend of two contrasting styles of architecture, a construction cocktail rarely seen in any other city in the world.