Ashish Shelar bats for nightlife zones in Khar

MUMBAI: Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP’s) city chief Ashish Shelar has said that he will propose a change in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC’s) Development Plan (DP) so that Turner Road and Khar’s road numbers 12, 13 and 14 can be made into non-residential zones where pubs and night clubs could be shifted. Mr. Shelar also took a jibe at Shiv Sena scion Aaditya Thackeray and said that the recent hullabaloo about Mumbai’s nightlife cannot be at the expense of the common man. Mr Shelar’s made the comments while accompanying the passenger committee from Delhi for an inspection at Khar Road station Thursday morning.

“Firstly, we will try to remove those clubs that have constructed illegal extensions such as balconies on which they put down tables and serve patrons. Secondly, we will send a suggestion that areas such as Turner Road and Khar’s road numbers 12, 13, and 14 be converted into non-residential zones so that new pubs and nightclubs can operate in these areas,” said Mr Shelar.

Mr Shelar further added, “People have been saying that we need to improve the city’s nightlife but the progress of the city does not come through pegs and certainly not at the cost of the peace of mind of the common man.”

Manoj Kotak who is the only BJP leader appointed in the DP committee said, “I think this is a viable suggestion as it will solve a lot of problems. However, the process of working on suggestions/objections is a lengthy project. We are currently sifting through a lot of ideas and will keep this in mind as well although it has not officially come to us yet.”

Many Khar and Bandra residents have come out opposing Mr Thackeray’s plan of 24x7 nightlife saying that it will be a nuisance as they are built in residential areas and noise and litter will be a problem.