The Mussoorie Municipal Council has issued demolition notices for 17 buildings deemed unfit for habitation, including the historic Koh-i-Noor building and Hotel Prince. These actions follow orders from the National Green Tribunal, which highlighted concerns over land stability and excessive unplanned construction. A nine-member panel was established to study the town's carrying capacity, revealing that 19 buildings were identified as dangerous based on a 2022 survey. Notably, a bungalow owned by the wife of former cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has already been demolished and reconstructed, eliminating safety concerns.
The Mussoorie Municipal Council (MMC) has issued demolition notices for a total of 17 buildings deemed unfit for habitation, including the historic Koh-i-Noor building in Landour. The owners of these properties have been instructed to initiate the demolition process by the middle of October, as stated in the notice. Officials indicated that the notices were issued in accordance with orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) following landslides in Landour earlier this year.
The NGT had taken suo motu cognisance of the issue and expressed concern regarding the reported sinking of the earth's surface in Mussoorie and the excessive unplanned constructions that exceed the town's carrying capacity. The green tribunal had established a nine-member panel to carry out a comprehensive study of Mussoorie concerning the town's carrying capacity.
Rajesh Naithani, the executive officer of the MMC, mentioned that based on a survey conducted in 2022, a total of 19 buildings were identified as dangerous for habitation. Notices were issued to the owners earlier this month, instructing them to commence the demolition process by the middle of October.
Notably, a bungalow owned by the wife of former Indian cricket captain and commentator Sunil Gavaskar was also included in the list of buildings that received notices. However, Naithani clarified that the bungalow, along with another building, had already been demolished and reconstructed, and is no longer deemed unsafe for habitation.
The Koh-i-Noor building, which was constructed around 1890 and has been frequented by celebrities such as actress Saira Bano and her family, is among the structures slated for demolition. This now-dilapidated building, named after the famous diamond, was erected by an Indian family that owned the Bhagwan Dass Bank, which also had a branch within the premises. The list of buildings that received notices also includes the historic Hotel Prince, previously known as Hotel Cecil, which was built in the early 20th century by the same owner responsible for Hotel Savoy.
The recent actions taken by the Mussoorie Municipal Council underscore the urgent need to address the challenges of urban development and environmental stability in the region. The demolition of buildings deemed unsafe is a crucial step towards ensuring the safety of residents and preserving the town's heritage. As the National Green Tribunal's investigation continues, it is essential for stakeholders to collaborate in implementing sustainable development practices that respect Mussoorie's unique landscape while accommodating the growing demands of its population. This approach will help safeguard both the environment and the historical significance of this iconic hill station.
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