CRZ violation: Collector’s office orders inspection of Gorai resort

Sun Beach Resort in Gorai. File pic/Nimesh Dave

The Mumbai Suburban Collector's office has ordered physical inspection of the Sun Beach Resort in Gorai for alleged violation of CRZ rules. The resort, spread over 4 acres along the sea, has been accused of carrying out construction activities in violation of the Coastal Regulation Zone norms several times. The civic body had even carried out a demolition drive there in 2014.

Dr Aruna Jadhav, additional tehsildar (revenue), Mumbai Suburban District, issued an order in this regard on September 5, 2022, which stated, "A letter complaining about the resort violating CRZ norms has been received by the Mumbai suburban collector office. Officials concerned have been asked to visit the spot for inspection and accordingly submit the finding report." A copy of the order is with mid-day.

mid-day in April reported about the allegations by BJP leader and former Gorai corporator Shiva Shetty against the resort for construction of swimming pool and rooms in violation of the CRZ norms. Later, Borivli-based activist Chandrakant Gupta had written a letter to the Collector, civic chief as well the chief minister seeking action against the resort. The action by the collector's office comes after Gupta's complaint.

Also read: Mumbai: 5,000 families in Gorai without water for days

‘Attempt to extort us'

Advocate Vijay Mishra, who looks after the resort, denied the allegations. He alleged that the complainant [Gupta] with the help of former resort manager Raja Shetty wanted to extort money. "We didn't entertain or succumb to their demands. It is because of this that they filed a complaint against our resort." In fact, resort owner Abdul Hamid Mapkana Shah filed a complaint against Gupta in October, citing mental harassment, filing of false complaints to government agencies.

‘Never called resort owners'

Gupta told mid-day the extortion allegations were filed as a retaliation. "I have never approached or made any calls to resort owners or management," he said. "Whether I have done anything wrong or resort owners/management have flouted norms will come to fore in the report," Gupta said, adding, "The resort was earlier pulled down by the BMC and a case is pending before the court. BMC should appoint senior counsel and get the hearing completed at earliest possible. The outcome of court proceedings itself will prove whether the resort is violating norms or not."