The issue of Poonam Tower, a controversial, half-constructed building standing opposite to Vidhan Bhavan is haunting Government since it was constructed. This time Maharashtra Government is desperate to acquire it. According to highly-placed sources, Public Works Department has been asked to do its structural auditing while Collectorate will do its valuation on the basis of the present condition of the building. Maharashtra Government is trying to acquire the building so that it can be used for the legislative purposes.

 

On several occasions its valuation was done but the price decided by Government was refused by builder N. Kumar. MLC Dr Parinay Fuke had suggested to have underground paths to reach the building from Vidhan Bhavan as Government wanted to include this place in its plan of expansion of Vidhan Bhavan. But the issue remained unresolved on price. Government showed readiness to pay Rs 55 crore, but N Kumar says he won’t accept an amount below Rs 150 crore. In fact, in the year 2019, PWD had conducted its structural auditing wherein it had drawn certain conclusions and given recommendations. The conclusions clearly stated that the construction had several deficiencies. According to a tenant, the construction was started in the year 1996 and stopped after partial work. Some say it was stalled, citing security reasons. N Kumar argues about what the civic body was doing when he got permission for the construction. Why the then officers did not pay heed to these issues. Had I not received permission, I would not have started the construction work, N Kumar makes it clear. According to N Kumar, he had to spend a lot of money, which was a dead investment for him. He could neither use it nor sold. While putting his side, An MLA, on condition of anonymity, told ‘The Hitavada’, “Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wants it to be acquired.

 

Neither it is being used nor it is getting constructed. The present Government is not interested in whatever happened in the past. It wants the issue should be resolved.” State Assembly Speaker Adv Rahul Narvekar and Chairman of State Council Ram Shinde had convened separate meetings at Mumbai and at Nagpur too on the issue of Vidhanbhavan expansion. The issue of Poonam Towers too was discussed. But nobody speaks as to what Government is doing on Poonam Towers issue. At the same time, Government is secretly chalking out a plan for resolving this long pending issue.

 

Presently, now Government chosen to use land of Government Press for expansion of Vidhan Bhavan. 2019 audit report The report of 2019 had pointed out certain loopholes in the building. In fact the auditing team had to take a lot of efforts while conducting auditing, as the non-plastered exterior side of a building is exposed to weather actions. Plaster was applied on a few internal walls and slabs, and significant number of structural elements are non-plastered. No protective paints were applied to safeguard the building for environmental effects. Because of the lack of exterior enclosure and protective paints, the exterior and interior members are subjected to weathering effects since 1996. This has resulted in corrosion of concrete and reinforcement of multiple locations. The auditing team had recommended to apply appropriate repair strategy and techniques. Main column supporting the porch was crushed at the base which may pose threat to the stability of entire building. The team of VNIT that conducted auditing recommended to remove the porch.