Bhau Daji Lad Museum expansion: BMC commissioner rejects Rs 200-cr INTACH proposal

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“The space behind the museum building is a botanical garden and lies in a heritage area that has already been marked as an open space in the Development Plan 2034. Construction cannot be allowed in that area. We have offered the textile mill area near Kala Chowki as a location where they can set up a museum,” said Mehta.
Also, the BMC curtailed INTACH’s authority in the day-to-day functioning of the museum. At the meeting, it was decided that INTACH officials will have to keep the BMC in the loop about every aspect of the museum’s operations. “They have taken too many liberties and have not taken the permission of the BMC in any of the decisions regarding the museum. They will have to take the permission of the civic body before they conduct any exhibition or event and also before accepting any donations from corporate benefactors,” said Gangadhare.

He added that meetings regarding the functioning of the museum will have to be conducted once every three months and civic officials will have to be included in these meetings. INTACH officials will also have to notify the BMC before acquiring or loaning all artifacts.

Satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, Sandeep Deshpande of MNS said more transparency was required in the museum’s functioning. “During the discussions, INTACH was also informed that the auditing will be conducted by the BMC from now onwards. They can no longer treat the museum as though it is their private property. The museum belongs to the public and the BMC will ensure that it is used that way,” said Deshpande.

When contacted, Tasneem Mehta stated that the meeting was a positive development and cleared the air about several issues. “The commissioner and the mayor were very supportive and understanding. The institution is owned by the corporation and they have a right to voice their concerns. We made certain suggestions like the removal of the garbage dump behind the museum to turn it into an educational space and the commissioner agreed to have it removed in order to use the space constructively,” she said.

She added that the commissioner has sanctioned funds for the maintenance of the museum building. Civic officials confirmed that funds to the tune of Rs 3.65 crore have been sanctioned for painting, wiring and other restoration work.

Referring to the alternative location for the second building proposed by the civic chief, she said they were considering the option. “There are certain constraints and we will try to work around it. We’ll submit a fresh proposal for the museum in the suggested area and the BMC will then take the final call,” she said.