In search of a saviour
Intensifying the fight to protect The United Bengal Home – memorial of freedom struggle – Khadia Itihas Samiti members and corporators of Khadia met mayor Asit Vora on Monday.
Senior members of the Samiti, Bansi Patel, Ashutosh Bhatt, Gaurang Kavishwar were accompanied by MLA Bhushan Bhatt, and corporators Mayur Dave and Niki Dave. They signed a memorandum to protect the remaining portion of the United Bengal Home and submitted the appeal to Vora to investigate the damage done to the house.
TOI had reported on December 9 that Vande Mataram, the signature tune of India’s freedom struggle, was first sung in Gujarat in 1906 at the United Behgal Home and that the intricately carved haveli was crumbling to dust. Bhatt said, “The appeal notes historical significance of the Bengal Home and the fact that in the past, minister late Ash- ok Bhatt had applied to grant this structure a status of national monument. The appeal highlights the concern that the remains must be protected and further damage to the structure must be immediately stopped. It also requests an investigation into the matter.”
The memorandum and appeal have been accepted by Vora. The Samiti members suspect a foul play into the collapse of the Bengal Home and that concern too has been highlighted. “Reportedly, the title papers of the property are not clear and this structure was unauthentically auctioned. Samiti has requested to examine whether any permissions to either break or start new construction was issued by AMC for the same. The Samiti members have also inquired whether any plan has been passed for allowing any new construction on the premises,” Bhatt said.
Currently, front wooden-carved panel of previously the three-floored Bengal Home stands precariously and may fall and damage the neighbouring homes, if the authorities fail to act in time. “AMC urgently needs to act on the matter to control further damage,” the appeal notes. Bhushan Bhatt said, “The mayor has promised to do the needful. The property was sold following orders from the charity commissioner. We are dedicated to save this property which stands as a national monument. We will also go to the area and see to it that the property is saved.”
Vora said the three BJP corporators along with locals have given a memorandum. “I told them that I need time. Once I study the issue and find any substance, I will definitely take action,” he said.
