…and the fight goes on

I have been consistent in my opposition to those who are against the development of more housing for the community.

• A slum-encroached plot opposite Panthaky Baug was initially approved for development. However, the Trustees felt there was no need to waste charity funds on construction of these flats and the proposal was shelved. I opposed this decision, stating that the need for new housing for the Parsi community is a priority.

• In spite of a real, physical threat, I took an active role in the removal of all the kharwas who had encroached on over 8,000 sq. ft. of Doongerwadi and Ambawadi properties and thereafter redeveloped the same for housing Khandias and Doongerwadi staff.

• Through innumerable personal hearings at the Office of the Collector of Mumbai, I finally succeeded in obtaining Land Revenue exemption for all the Panchayat properties, pending since 1987, thus saving lakhs of Rupees for the BPP.

• I continue to coordinate with the Municipal Department and other authorities for all the problems faced by our properties.

• I have ensured reduction in the rateable value of various Panchayat properties, thereby saving lakhs of rupees in property tax, benefiting both the residents and the BPP.

•I personally appeared before the Revenue and Forest Appellate Authority and obtained relief from levy of over Rs. 5 lakhs for excavation at Panthaky Baug.

• Along with ex-Trustee Rustom Tirandaz, I prevented the handover of the internal road in Panthaky Baug to the B.M.C. This would have divided the baug to the detriment of the safety and security of its residents. We successfully prevented a similar handover at Dhunbaiwadi.

• During the 2000 Amendment of Scheme application before the High Court, Rustom Tirandaz and I made separate applications for adult franchise. In 2006, all the Trustees agreed to adult franchise and the scheme was sanctioned by the High Court.

• I had intervened with the Charity Commissioner in the proposed sale of flats to non-Parsis in Petit Towers at Petit Sanatorium. Due to my intervention, the sale of flats to Parsis was at a special rate of Rs. 10,000 per sq. ft. and from the profits from the sale of the other flats of over Rs. 100 crores, the Petit Trust is committed to construct a colony of around 300 flats to house needy Parsis.

•Due to my intervention, the proposed sale of Marzban Sanatorium at Khandala was shelved and with generous financial support from Mrs. Scylla Vatcha, it has been restored and is available for use by Parsis.

• I also obtained permission from MHADA to redevelop dilapidated buildings on Plots 782-785 in Dadar Parsi Colony with F.S.I. of 2.5. This would have benefitted the community by FSI of almost one lakh sq. ft. free of cost. However, this was opposed on the specious plea that in 10 years there would be more flats than Parsis and there was no need to construct further housing.

My focus of devotion and service has been the community through the BPP. My other activities are:
• Free, 24-hour ambulance services available from the premises of Rusi Mehta Welfare Centre.

• Approximately 550 Parsis are given doles ranging from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1,000 every month.

• Tardeo Vyamshala, of which I am President, caters to the health and wellbeing of the poor children of the locality and provides them almost free gymnasium facilities.