BMC pulls down Royal China's illegal structures

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s demolition squad on Friday pulled down large portions of illegal constructions done by Bandra’s famous restaurant Royal China. The hip fine dine restaurant is a favourite joint of several Bollywood celebrities and politicians.

Officials of the H-West ward carried out the demolition around 3 pm under the supervision of assistant commissioner Sharad Ughade. According to the civic officials, the restaurant had constructed illegal construction of approximately 10 x 35 metres on the compulsory open space of the building and violated civic norms blatantly.

“The demolition was carried out as per section 351 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) act. The BMC had issued a notice to the restaurant owner for erecting an illegal structure, but he had moved to the High Court challenging it. The HC had initially issued a stay order, but lifted it later, following which the civic body carried out demolition drive,” said a senior civic official from the H-West ward. The decade-old Royal China restaurant is popular for its extensive menu of traditional and contemporary Chinese cuisine. The outlet was opened in December 2006.

Civic activists have expressed satisfaction over BMC’s demolition drive. “The good part is the civic body is not discriminating while taking action against illegal structures. It is acting both against small as well as celebrity outlets. The efforts need to be lauded,” said civic activist Anil Joseph from the Perry Road Residents Association. Officials from the H-West ward have under undertaken demolition since last 12 months, razing hundreds of illegal eateries, encroachments and slums around the Bandra West area.