Mumbai: The premises housing the mayor’s official residence—a nearly 6,000sqft heritage bungalow within the Byculla garden and zoo—is set to undergo a revamp for the second time in four months at Rs 2.9 crore. The last renovation in April cost BMC Rs 2.4 crore.The civic body has floated a tender for this new upgrade, which will include installation of bio-absorbent noise barrier panels (see graphic for other works planned). The work is to be carried out over three months, including the monsoon. Officials said firms interested in taking it up are expected to inspect the site before submitting their bids.The bungalow, featuring teak wood construction and a tiled roof, was built in 1931 and is among Mumbai’s listed heritage buildings protected under Development Control Regulations. Mayor Ritu Tawde from BJP, who is also a corporator from Ghatkopar, resides with her family there.Civic officials said the work will be carried out in accordance with heritage conservation guidelines to ensure that the bungalow’s structural integrity and original architectural features are not compromised.A key component of the project is the fabrication and installation of container-based structures to house a conference hall, complete with interior and exterior finishing works and furniture. “The container-based structure will be temporary in nature on the lawns of the bungalow and is proposed to be used by the mayor for interacting with party workers as well as visitors who come to meet her regularly,” said a civic official. “There are also drainage works proposed along the premises.”Former mayor Kishori Pednekar from Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed surprise over the proposal to install sound barriers, saying during her stay, she never experienced any issue with sound pollution. “The sound barriers will also obstruct the view of the bungalow.” She also questioned the plan for the portable container outside the heritage residence. “The mayor’s bungalow is meant to be a public space where citizens can meet and interact with the city’s first citizen. Putting up a container outside could restrict public access to the residence,” she said.The mayor’s official residence was earlier at Dadar’s Shivaji Park, but that was converted into a memorial for the late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
