A proposal worth Rs 3.4 crore for the renovation of the Mumbai Mayor's official residence in Byculla has drawn sharp criticism from activists, who question the hefty expenditure on a heritage bungalow that is already in a habitable condition. The proposal is scheduled to be placed before the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) standing committee for approval on Wednesday.
RTI Reveals Past Spending Patterns
Activist Anil Galgali, who obtained information through a Right to Information (RTI) query, highlighted a stark contrast between the proposed renovation cost and past expenditures. According to the RTI reply, the BMC spent Rs 85.87 lakh on repair and maintenance of the bungalow in 2018-19. This amount dropped sharply to Rs 5.88 lakh in 2019-20, and further declined to Rs 2.93 lakh in 2020-21 and Rs 2.92 lakh in 2022-23.
Galgali questioned the justification for spending crores on renovation when the heritage bungalow is already habitable. He also pointed out that many of the proposed works had already been carried out by the municipal corporation in January 2026.
Scope of Renovation Work
The proposed renovation includes a complete overhaul of the interiors, renovation of all toilets with new fixtures, addition of extra bedrooms and toilets, and conversion of an existing auditorium space into a meeting room. The kitchen will be upgraded with modern facilities, while the ground floor will be refloored with Italian marble. The proposal also includes installation of antique chandeliers, specialised lighting, and Venetian blinds to preserve the structure's heritage character.
The single-storey heritage structure, built with teak wood, is situated along Patanwala Road within the Byculla zoo premises. It serves as the official residence of the Mumbai Mayor and is part of Mumbai's listed heritage buildings protected under the Development Control Regulations.
Concerns Over Fiscal Prudence
Activists and civic watchdogs have raised concerns over the steep increase in renovation costs, especially given the BMC's past spending patterns. The proposal has sparked a debate on fiscal prudence and the need for transparency in public expenditure. The standing committee's decision on the proposal is awaited.
