BMC acts tough on mall eateries

BMC workers pull down alleged illegal extensions of eateries in Phoenix Mall at Lower Parel

On the backdrop of the fire at a medical shop in Juhu in which nine people lost their lives, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has now decided to deal strictly with illegal slums in the city. The civic body will take action against these unauthorised multi-storey slums after the monsoon is over, said civic officials.

In a review meeting held at civic headquarters on Saturday, civic chief Ajoy Mehta has asked civic officials to make a survey of slums, which are above 14 feet high and take action against illegal slums in the city.

The civic chief also asked to register the names of those, who will oppose the demolition of illegal slums and submit it to the head office, said officials.

“Any demolition action during the monsoon is prohibited. Hence we have decided to carry out the demolition drive after monsoon of illegal slums,” said a senior civic official.

Meanwhile, acting tough against the unauthorised structures, the BMC on Saturday took action against popular eateries like Big Kahuna, Starbucks and Moshe’s at Phoenix Mall in Lower Parel and demolished illegal extensions raised by them.

According to civic officials, to ensure fire safety, civic chief Ajoy Mehta has issued directives to demolish illegal constructions and extensions in commercial establishments, especially in malls and multiplexes. Accordingly, action was taken by the G-South ward officials against eateries in Phoenix Mall.

“It was found that these eateries had raised illegal extensions on their premises. In addition to this, they had also occupied the open spaces, which are important for fire safety measures, in the mall. All these structures were razed in the demolition drive,” said a civic official.