Mumbai: Tenants still occupy dilapidated Worli building despite BMC's warnings

Khanna Apartment at Worli

The BMC's constant warnings don't seem to have any effect on tenants of the dilapidated Khanna Apartment in Worli, who have no plans to vacate it.

On August 1, G- south ward officer Prashant Sapkale had told mid-day that he will take police action against the pre-school if it doesn't vacate the building. It is learnt that no police action has also been initiated against the tenants.

Also read - Get out or face police action: BMC to Worli pre-school authorities

Activists and members of Yuva Sena who raised the issue have demanded immediate action from BMC to stop tenants from running their businesses in the building.

Yuva Sena members are particularly worried about the children who go to the pre-school. "Like tenants, even BMC is least bothered about the lives of children coming to study in the pre-school, and consumers who are going to the shops and hotels. After 10 days of the first notice, BMC could have lodged a police complaint and vacated the building" said Abhijit Patil, Upvibhaag Pramukh of Yuva Sena. Tenants run a pre-school, a grocery store, and a hotel on the ground floor.

Tenants not bothered
On July 31, mid-day had reported that former police commissioner RD Tyagi's daughter-in-law Diana Tyagi runs a franchise of Podar Jumbo Kid's pre-school for the past 12 years in Khanna Apartment. The other tenants are Flora hotel, Godrej Nature's Basket, Ulalkar Garage and Rakhangi General store.

Also read - Mumbai: Tenants refuse to vacate crumbling Worli building

As the property is under the court receiver, tenants seem least bothered about their lives despite receiving the BMC's notice issued on July 29.

According to the notice, the building has been declared unsafe with the poor condition of chajjas and parapet wall.

The BMC has warned all occupants to vacate the building or face action under the MMC Act, 1888. They have also clarified that BMC would not be responsible for any mishap in future.

Second notice sent
The second notice issued on August 5 by BMC specifically mentions the five occupiers.

While Diana Tyagi refused to speak, an official from Godrej Nature's Basket said they have closed down the shop.

"As I am out of India I haven't yet planned to vacate the building. After consulting my lawyer, I will come to a decision," said Kiran Ulalkar, owner of Ulalkar Garage.

Despite several attempts to contact him, Sapkale didn't respond to mid-day.

5
No. of tenants in the building

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