Amitabh Bachchan gets BMC notice over ‘illegal’ construction

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is reported to have issued a notice to Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act for allegedly carrying out illegal constructions at his new bungalow in Goregaon east. The civic body is also believed to have rejected the amended plans submitted by the actor’s architect for regularising the work.

Mr Bachchan has bought a new bungalow at the Oberoi Seven Complex, Ciba Layout, on Aba Karmarkar Road at Goregaon east. However, it has been found that the work carried out in the bungalow is not as per the approved plans issued by the building proposal department of the P-South ward office. Hence, the BMC issued a notice under section 53(1) of MRTP Act 1966 on December 7, 2016, asking the owner to restore the work carried out beyond the approved plans.

This paper made several attempts to reach Mr Bachchan through his PR agency but failed repeatedly. Architect Shashank Kokil, on behalf of owner Mr Bachchan, assured the civic body that he would submit a proposal for regularisation of works. However, the proposal was reportedly rejected on March 17 this year due to several technical discrepancies.

According to the speaking orders issued on May 17, the BMC told Mr Bachchan that he has not submitted any conclusive proof to prove that the notice work is regularised by the BMC. “If proved the said work was illegal, you are directed to remove or restore the unauthorised work, failing which, the same will be demolished by the P-South ward and you will be prosecuted as per the MRTP act,” said the orders.

The details of the notice issued by the BMC to Mr Bachchan have been revealed in the right to information (RTI) query filed by activist Anil Galgali. “Notice under MRTP has been issued to Mr Bachchan for the variations observed in contrast to approved plans. During the inspection, it was found by ward officials that the internal walls were not as per the approved plans. Lifts were not installed and no internal works like fixing of tiles on the ground floor and staircase was done. The plastering of walls was also not carried out. The basement work was also not as per the sanctioned plan,” said Mr Galgali.

In a letter written to civic chief Ajoy Mehta, the RTI activist has demanded immediate action under the MRTP Act and demolition of illegal extensions and enclosures. “The BMC is always prompt in taking actions against violations carried out by poor people, but it seems to dither when action has to be taken against the rich and famous,” he said.