Mumbai: In the drive against illegal constructions and encro-achments, the Briha-nmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has carried out demolitions at 684 places and sealed 72 restaurants for violating the fire safety norms. The food court at R City Mall in Ghatkopar and Tap Resto Bar at the Link Square Mall in Bandra (west) have been sealed.

After the Kamala Mills fire, which took 14 lives, the BMC had gone on a demolition spree in city malls, restaurants and gymkhanas to remove illegal alterations and encroachments. Accor-ding to civic data, 5,269 establishments have been inspected so far. Of them, 2,973 were issued inspection reports asking them to correct the violations at the earliest. Demolition was carried out at 684 places and 72 establishments have been sealed so far. “Of the 54 malls that were inspected, 37 were issued inspection reports. Demolition was carried out at four places and two eateries — a mall’s food court and Tap Resto Bar — were sealed. Of the 58 basements, 24 have been issued inspection reports. Demolition was carried out at four places — Marks & Spencer (Bandra west), Poison Drop Club (Bandra west), Social Restaurant (Khar west) and Café Chaska (Santacruz west),” said a senior civic official.

Taking a lesson from the   recent fire, the BMC has decided to seal establishments if they are found dangerous for fire incidents. The action has been taken under section 8 (1) of Maharashtra Fire Preven-tion and Life Safety Measures Act 2006.

To expedite the action, civic chief Ajoy Mehta has asked all ward officers and deputy municipal commissioners to make random checks of the structures that have been demolished. “Action will be taken agai-nst concerned civic officials, if demolitions are not carried out properly,” said the official.

“The decision to hold random checks should be implemented strictly,” said Lalbaug resident Rudresh Satpute.