Marvi Mazhar blames builders’ mafia for razing another heritage site in Karachi
Marvi Mazhar censures the Sindh government’s concerned department for keeping an eye close over the heritage vandalism.
KARACHI: Architect and heritage expert Marvi Mazhar has blamed builders’ mafia for razing one more heritage site in Karachi besides censuring the Sindh government’s concerned department for keeping an eye close over the violation of heritage regulations.
Marvi Mazhar said in a Twitter thread, “I have been quiet on Heritage vandalism for sometime. But yesterday once again one felt pain for the future of this city Karachi. In 2019 powerful builder came to me to ask for NOC to help him construct highrise on this site, which is railway property. I refused.”
She wrote, “I said to the developer, unless you won’t accommodate the heritage premises into the design, I won’t file for NOC. He challenged and mocked. But I had faith in @PROSindhCTA Dept [Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Department] and thought they will not let this property go out of hand. I documented this building back then.”
I have been quiet on Heritage vandalism for sometime. But yesterday once again one felt pain for the future of this city #Karachi. In 2019 powerful builder came to me to ask for NOC to help him construct highrise on this site, which is railway property. I refused. 1/7 pic.twitter.com/SMkW5IRN3G
— Marvi Mazhar (@marvimazhar) January 13, 2022
Mazhar said, “Yesterday I went after a friend mentioned, hey remember that building you were documenting in 2019. Its gone. After 1 year sabbatical the city looks more broken than ever. Heritage is the last chapter this city can hold onto.” The heritage expert demanded Sindh chief minister and minister concerned take notice.
She censured the authorities for not taking any action against the violation of the heritage regulations of Sindh. The objections and several suggestions we have proposed now seems like empty vessels, she added.
“Will @PROSindhCTA @Ministerculture dept take notice of such vandalism? Today there is this container which promises Grand Elite Highrise,” questioned Marvi.
“When I got the access to this Historic Bungalow in Railway Quarter, I developed a quick visual research called “The case of Mangalore Tiles in Karachi” I found evidence in this building which showed incredible history.”
The heritage expert has also shared her article dated back October 2016 which elaborated that ‘red clay tiles have been found at a bungalow (plot FT-2/13), opposite Old Race Course Ground, on McNeil Road, Railway Quarters, Karachi.”
She continued, “Erasing historical buildings in urban cities leads to a major loss of historical evidence and knowledge. Instead of progressive implementations of Karachi Heritage Regulations, in a sense the process has gone into reverse mode.”
“The regulations must allow us to identify and retain those essential features that contribute to the character of a city and we need ensure that new development is in sympathy with. and contributes to, the character of the area. @CM_Sindh @SindhCMHouse @murtazawahab1 @PROSindhCTA.”
While sharing the latest pictures of the site, “Today, the site is razed, and ground zero. Here goes another Historical Bungalow of Karachi. Shame on heritage bylaws and regulations.”
— Marvi Mazhar (@marvimazhar) January 13, 2022
