India, Dec. 8 -- A classic conservation versus modernity battle is gathering steam at India's most famous sea-front. Marine Drive, described by UNESCO as the "Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai" was tagged a world heritage site in 2018. Currently, the precinct has a height restriction of 24 metres which ensures a symmetrical skyline. In the last few years, however, residents of some of the buildings that stand behind the promenade, most of which were constructed in the early 1950s, have been lobbying for redevelopment, and for lifting of these height restrictions.

Which explains why, in the midst of celebrations in Mumbai of Art Deco's 100th year, Atul Kumar, the energetic head of Art Deco Mumbai Trust, finds himself unabl...