Historic Ambedkar Bhavan continues to feature among most dangerous bldgs

Mumbai: Two years after it found itself caught in a controversy, the historic Ambedkar Bhavan in Dadar continues to feature among the city’s most dangerous buildings.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has included the structure in the list of 619 C-1 category buildings this year too, which are basically buildings which are deemed risky to live in during monsoon. In 2016, the civic body’s decision to declare Ambedkar Bhavan as C-1 category structure was mired in controversy. During the demolition, some parts of it and the printing press were damaged due to which there was a huge uproar. The matter was later taken to court and it is still sub-judice.

“Ambedkar Bhavan is not at all dangerous. It was declared dangerous by the BMC under the pressure of some people. First of all, it is not a building as it does not have floors. In the structural audit carried out by us, it was not found dangerous,”said Bhimrao Ambedkar, the grandson of Ambedkar.

However, BMC officials have said that the decision to include it in the dangerous buildings category was taken according to the structural audit carried out two years ago. “Ambedkar Bhavan was declared dangerous two years ago as per the results of its structural audit. But the matter is now subjudice in court and the BMC cannot take any decision till the court gives its ruling. Till then, it will continue to be among the city’s dangerous buildings,” said Kishor Desai, assistant municipal commissioner, F-South ward.