Mumbai: Along with Marine Drive, Maharashtra government has proposed to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to get the world heritage site tag for Oval Maidan at Churchgate.
The precinct hasVictorian neo-gothic architecture buildings of the 19th century on one site. On the other side it has Bombay High Court, Mumbai University which are also heritage structures. The ground boundaries hold the largest cluster of art deco buildings and hence the government is keen to get the world heritage tag for the area.
“The Oval Maidan is one of the oldest heritage site in Mumbai. It is surrounded by the heritage structures having Victorian neo-gothic architecture. The World Heritage status would draw lots of attention to the site,” a senior official from the state Urban Development Department said. At present, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminal is the only site tagged as the World heritage in 2004. Elephanta Caves near to Mumbai also known as the World heritage site since 1987.
“A team from the UNESCO has already arrived in Mumbai and has conducted primary inspection of the site. We will come to know their opinion after a few days,” the official said.
Also, unlike Marine Drive, the residents in the area have been cooperative for the heritage tag, the official added. “We have communicated with them over the issue and there is no opposition to it,” he said.
The state government has been pitching to get the World Heritage status for the Oval Ground since 2013. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to push the Oval Maidan for the heritage status. The UNESCO’s nod will give global recognition to the Oval Maidan and attract tourists. The Oval Maidan will also get more funds for its maintenance.
