Mumbai: BMC joins ongoing demolition drive at 'Borivli Chowpatty', but ‘powerful politician’ intervenes

People enjoy food at the illegal stalls at ‘Borivali Chowpatty’

Hours after mid-day's report on how part of Collector's land at Shimpoli in Borivli was taken over by food stalls, the civic body sent notices to the encroachers to vacate the land within 15 days, failing which a case will be registered and strict action would be taken. In fact, a bulldozer had arrived at the spot, called ‘Borivali Chowpatty', on Thursday to demolish the structures, but had to return following the intervention of a powerful politician, said sources. On Thursday, mid-day reported how around 10-12 food stalls have taken over the plot of land, on the lines of Juhu and Girgaon Chowpatty, and how the spot was already garnering much attention from locals.

Following the report, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation appointed a designated officer from R Central ward to examine and take immediate action against the encroachers. However, the officer could only hand over notices that stated, "Whereas the undersigned has been appointed as the Designated Officer under section 53(8) of Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966 (hereinafter for the brevity sake referred as the said D Act) to exercise the powers of Planning Authority under Sections 53, 54, 55 and 56 of the said Act. And whereas, it has been reported to me, that you have carried out unauthorised development of temporary nature as described in schedule appended below, situated at Borivali Chowpatty, RM Bhattad Road, Borivli West, Mumbai-400092 without obtaining necessary permission from competent authority as is required under the said Act."

The stalls have already garnered attention from locals

It further read, "Now therefore, I, in exercise of powers conferred upon me by section 55 of the said Act, direct you to remove the said unauthorised development within 15 days from receipt of this notice. Please note that on failure to comply with the aforesaid requisition, the unauthorised work carried out by you will be removed by this office without any further intimation, at your risk and cost."

Dharmendra Kantharia, executive engineer of R Central ward, told mid-day, "After we received the complaint, we found that ‘Borivali Chowpatty' doesn't have any licence for running any food stalls. We gave notice to the encroachers to vacate the premises within 15 days. After the given time we will demolish the structure and will take legal action."

An activist and complainant Reji Abraham told mid-day, "Instead of demolishing the food stalls, the BMC authority is supporting it and gave them 15 days' time to vacate the government land. Now that they have the time, the violators can use the same to find loopholes and manipulate the legal system to delay the demolition and continue with their businesses."

15 days
Time given to encroachers to clear the area

10-12
No. of food stalls at ‘Borivali Chowpatty'