BMC relaxes demolition drive

Mumbai: After taking stern action against pubs and restaurants in the city for a couple of days, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to relax its drive against encroachments and illegal alterations. Instead, it has asked the establishments to correct irregularities and violations of fire safety norms on their own within 15 days. Civic chief Ajoy Mehta has also launched an investigation into the alleged connections of civic officials and restaurant owners.

“The establishments have been asked to carry out an inspection on whether they are complying with municipal rules and also to examine their fire codified requirements. They have been asked to demolish illegal constructions and correct irregularities on their own within 15 days. They have also been asked to comply fire safety norms. Failing to do this, they will face strict action,” said a civic official.

After the Kamala Mill Compound fire, which took 14 lives, the BMC has gone on demolition spree in city malls, restaurants and gymkhanas to remove illegal alterations and encroachments. In last two days, the BMC had removed 671 illegal structures, sealed 37 restaurants and seized 843 gas cylinders.

However, on Monday the BMC demolished illegal structures at only 53 places and seized 51 cylinders. In E-ward, the action was taken against Sholey Hukkah Parlour, in which 50 hookahs and other accessories were sealed. In addition to this, illegal structures at Jhamjham Hotel and King Kabab were also demolished. In Raghuvanshi mill at Lower Parel, demolition action was continued at Sheesha restaurant.

“Deputy Commissioners in all seven zones have been asked to hold a probe into alleged connections of civic officials with establishment owners in protecting illegal structures,” said a senior civic official.