A report in this paper as early as 2011, cited that for the last four years running up to 2011 the building has been listed in MHADA's pre-monsoon survey as a dangerous building which needs immediate attention. That report cited in detail the stalemate between different stakeholders, but said in unequivocal terms that despite some opinions, the building was in the dangerous category even then. Last year, a balcony on the fourth floor of the mansion collapsed, crushing a taxi. Fortunately, nobody was in the cab.

The structure, formerly known as Watson Hotel, will have to be worked on with utmost caution. The monsoon is upon us, so every precaution has to be taken to avoid disaster if this building has to be demolished. It already poses a huge danger to traffic and pedestrians below. Cordon it off, use barricades and safety nets before the rains descend and compound a very difficult situation.

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