Mumbai: Overcoming a strong resistance from local fishermen, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has demolished illegal structures at Dhobi Ghat in Mahalaxmi. The civic body has also filed a FIR against six people for opposing the drive and the police has arrested them.
According to civic officials, several complaints were received regarding illegal encroachments in Dhobi Ghat. As a result, the G-South ward had sent a team around one month back to assess the situation. But during inspection, local people gathered there and misbehaved with the team. They also not allow the encroachments to be surveyed.
A team was again sent a fortnight ago with police protection and unauthorised structures were identified. The G-South ward officials started the demolition drive on May 3 with protection from Agripada police station. But during the drive, some people poured kerosene and tried to immolate themselves. Others even threatened to commit suicide if demolitions were carried on. “In two days, 16 huge unauthorised ground structures and six more structures were demolished. All the materials like girders, channels, tin sheds have been confiscated. Demolitions will continue on Saturday also,” said a senior civic official.
