The century-old Seven Bungalows or Saat Bungla structure, the last remaining of its kind, is set to be demolished after the BMC’s TAC declared it dilapidated and at risk of collapse. This decision conflicts with a previous report from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach), which stated that the building only requires minor repairs.
In Versova, Mumbai, the sole surviving structure of the Seven Bungalows stands as a testament to the area’s historical significance near Versova Beach. However, plans to demolish the building have been set in motion following authorities’ declaration of its dilapidated state, amidst allegations of conspiracy from the owners.
The Ratan Kunj was constructed alongside Rus Cottage, Jasbir Villa, Gulistaan, Kaikei Villa, Shanti Niwas, and Vijay Bhawan following the plague outbreak in Mumbai in 1896. The seven bungalows also give the name to the locality, Seven Bungalows. It was originally known as Talati Bungalow, it derived its name from the Sorabji Talati, who was its previous owner.
Amongst its original owners included the Maharaja of Gwalior, the Maharaja of Kutch, Dadabhai Naoroji, scholar Rustom Marani Sorahii Talati, as well as the Chinais and Khambattas.
The bungalow is located in a pristine corner of Versova, near the shore. Within the building, there are 20 spacious rooms featuring lofty ceilings, a hall adorned with stained glass artwork, and flooring crafted from Italian Carrara marble. The bungalow’s roof is constructed with sturdy Burma teak and Mangalore tiles. Outside the house are two wells, one marked with tiles indicating the year construction, 1900.
On February 29, the current owner of the property was served a notice to vacate the premises. The notification stated that Rattan Kunj would undergo demolition due to its deteriorating state, posing a potential risk of collapse. The notice was based on the findings of BMC’s technical advisory committee (TAC), a body which ascertains if structures are dilapidated and beyond repair.
Shaloo Rahul Barar, the co-owner of the over one-acre property said, “We know that an Andheri builder wants to redevelop the land and throw us out by getting the bungalow declared ‘dilapidated’.” She alleged that it was under a conspiracy she was asked to leave the place.
“Rattan Kunj was issued a structural audit notice for the first time in 124 years when the co-owners were being tapped by a developer. In our report, it passed the tests, with minor repairs being required, which were met,” she added.
Shaloo’s two sons remain as co-owners of the property after other family members have moved out. She highlighted an ongoing disagreement between herself and the other faction of her family, who also hold a share in the property. She remarked that robust and durable structures are deemed unsound based on such audit findings.
Jayesh Raut, a sub-engineer from the K-West office, issued the notice to the Barars, stating that there were two conflicting audit reports. He explained that these reports were forwarded to the TAC, which subsequently assessed the property and categorized it as falling under the C-1 classification (unsafe for occupancy).
Shaloo refuted Jayesh’s assertion, stating that despite her repeated requests, she never received the TAC report.
In December of the previous year, several MLAs in the Assembly raised concerns about the TAC incorrectly labelling structurally sound buildings as dilapidated. They called for impartial members to assess the condition of such structures.
According to a recent report by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach), Rattan Kunj was deemed structurally stable. However, authorities noted that certain repairs were necessary to preserve the integrity of specific architectural features.