A 150 to 200-year-old structure has been identified in Navi Mumbai’s Khairane-Mahape MIDC area, raising concerns over its preservation and the need to establish its historical significance.
The two-room structure was inspected by Archaeology Department officials after Sanket Narayan Doke, president of Navi Mumbai Vikas Adhishthan, alerted the authorities. During the preliminary inspection, officials indicated that the structure could be at least 150 to 200 years old. Its exact age, purpose and significance will be determined through detailed archaeological research.
The discovery is significant as few historical remains predating modern Navi Mumbai’s development are known to exist. Apart from Belapur Fort, much of the city’s documented history relates to its development as a planned city.
The structure is located on a private company’s MIDC plot, prompting concerns that construction activity could damage or destroy it. The Navi Mumbai Vikas Adhishthan has demanded immediate protection and conservation, followed by an archaeological study and measures to eventually open the site to citizens.
Doke is scheduled to lead a protest outside the MIDC office on August 19, seeking immediate government intervention to protect the structure.
Source: The Free Press Journal
