Following a knife attack on a bus conductor last week, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) workers led by trade union leader Shashank Sharad Rao staged a protest on Monday, September 23, at Wadala Depot to highlight the plight of poor working conditions of bus conductors and drivers. A petition stating that BEST bus staff should be given protection and the injured conductor should be compensated adequately was also handed over to BEST General Manager Anil Diggikar. On the night of September 19, a robbery attempt in Dharavi took a violent turn after a bus conductor suffered grievous injuries following a knife attack. The 20-year-old accused, identified as Saban Mobin Khan, was arrested within four hours of the incident. The bus conductor, Ashok Kashinath Dagale, was operating on BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) bus number MH 01 AP 0324 on the Pydhonie-Vikhroli route. As the bus approached the Yellow Bungalow Corner around 9.05 pm, Khan attempted to snatch Dagale's money bag. When the 44-year-old conductor resisted, Khan allegedly assaulted him with a knife, inflicting serious injuries to his neck, right shoulder, left thigh, and waist. During the struggle, Khan managed to snatch Dagale's mobile phone, worth around Rs 15,000, and fled the scene, the police said. Dagale immediately filed a complaint at the nearest police station. Despite limited leads, Senior Police Inspector Raja Bidkar, along with officers Sangeeta Mane and Shelke Vikas immediately initiated an investigation into the case. They tracked down the accused within four hours using leads from the CCTV footage and their informants. The bus conductor's stolen mobile phone was recovered from Khan, and he has been charged under the relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for robbery with an attempt to cause death or grievous injury. Meanwhile, BEST Kamgar Sena President Suhas Samant, commenting on the incident, said, "It was only after the news reached the press that the authorities began to acknowledge the situation." He further alleged Dagale was allegedly left on a stretcher at Sion hospital overnight and did not get a bed at the medical facility until the next day.
23 September,2024 07:23 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe card service issue at seven airports run by the Adani Airport Holdings limited (AAHL) has been rectified by DreamFolks services Ltd. and Passengers are now able to get access the airport lounges at the affected airports. A senior official from AAHL told mid-day, "we are pleased to share that our the lounge access issue successfully resolved and passengers are now getting access to the lounges at all our airports." Multiple sources including some of the staffers from various airlines who were present at the seven airports operated by AAHL as confirmed the development to mid-day. AAHL operates seven airports in the country--Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, and Mangaluru In a statement, DreamFolks said, "Our team has successfully resolved the integration issue at Adani Airports, ensuring seamless acceptance of all eligible cards at the lounges moving forward." The statement further said, "Through meticulous troubleshooting, we have implemented a robust solution that guarantees smooth transactions for passengers and stakeholders alike. As a result, all eligible cards, including credit, debit, and membership cards will now be accepted at the lounges. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our clients and customers during this temporary disruption."
23 September,2024 06:37 PM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariThe Centre on Thursday approved the proposal to rename 11 stations of the Mumbai Metro Line-3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ). The underground metro line will begin services between Aarey and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) next week after the train is flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The entire metro service from Colaba to SEEPZ is expected to begin operations early next year. There will be a total of 27 stations on the aqua line. After the Union Government nod, the following stations have been renamed: CST Metro to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Metro Mumbai Central Metro to Jagannath Shankar Sheth Metro Science Museum to Science Centre Shitaladevi Temple to Shitala Devi Mandir Vidyanagari to Bandra Colony Santacruz to Santacruz Metro Domestic Airport to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport - T1 Sahar Road to Sahar Road International Airport to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport - T2 MIDC to MIDC-Andheri Aarey to Aarey JVLR The rest of the stations include: Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate Metro, Hutatma Chowk, Kalbadevi, Girgaon, Grant Road Metro, Mahalaxmi Metro, Acharya Atre Chowk, Worli, Siddhivinayak, Dadar Metro, Dharavi, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Marol Naka, and SEEPZ. 2,000 trees to be planted near Mumbai Metro-3 locations Last month, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) initiated the in-situ plantation of over 2000 trees near Mumbai Metro-3 station locations said officials. The officials said that under the project costing Rs 12 crore, they will be planting 2, 931 trees along the Mumbai Metro-3 stations. The plantation is being carried out in accordance with a Bombay High Court direction to the agency. The in-situ plantation will be carried out in three stages: first, the trees will be grown to a girth of 46 cm in nurseries spread over 2 hectares; second, the trees will be transported to specific locations in Mumbai for planting at the station sites; and third, the trees will be maintained for three years, including the replacement of any that do not survive. The MMRC, in their communique, said, "Complying the commitment made to Honourable Bombay High Court, MMRC started to plant 2931 trees near Metro-3 station locations (in-situ) at an overall cost Rs 12 crore." It further stated, "Three contracts: Pkg. 19, 20 & 21 have been awarded for implementation of the in-situ plantation. This plantation process involved 3 stages; First growing of trees up to a final girth of 46cm in a stipulated period at the nurseries (area 2 ha.). In stage 2, transportation of these advanced-sized trees from the nurseries to specific locations in Mumbai; actual plantation at station sites and stage 3, maintenance for 3 years thereafter including replacing any casualties."
23 September,2024 06:34 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarFormer Union minister Sharad Pawar said that he and nephew Ajit Pawar, who is the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, are together as a family, but made it clear that the latter was heading a different political party. "Gharat tari ekatrach ahet (we are together at home least)," the veteran politician while addressing the press at Chiplun in coastal Konkan region. He was responding to a query about the demand from "various quarters in the state" that the uncle-nephew duo should come together once again. Last year in July, Ajit Pawar broke away from his uncle to join the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government as Deputy Chief Minister. While Ajit Pawar heads the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), his uncle floated the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) outfit. Of late, there has been speculation over him continuing in the ruling Mahayuti alliance, news agency PTI reported. When asked about Ajit Pawar's recent remarks that the decision to make his wife Sunetra contest the Lok Sabha polls against cousin Supriya Sule in Baramati was a mistake, the veteran politician said, "He is in a different party. Why should we comment on decisions taken by another party?" Sule is Sharad Pawar's daughter and the Member of Parliament from Baramati. Sharad Pawar also said that deciding the chief ministerial face of the opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance – comprising his of NCP (SP), Congress and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) – was not an urgent issue. "When elections were held after the Emergency, Morarji Desai's name as PM (Prime Ministerial) candidate was not disclosed before polling," said Sharad Pawar. "Our [MVA] attempt is to give a progressive alternative in Maharashtra with help of other outfits such as Samajwadi Party and Peasants and Workers Party," he said, adding, "Our observation is that the people of Maharashtra have made up their mind to give us (MVA) a chance in the ensuing elections." When asked about Andhra Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's claim that sub-standard ghee with animal fat was used to make prasad laddoos at Tirupati temple during Jaganmohan Reddy's tenure as CM, Pawar said, "If anything was mixed, it is very wrong and action should be taken against those involved." (With PTI inputs)
23 September,2024 06:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFormer All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Imtiaz Jaleel is on his way to Mumbai, leading a large rally called the Tiranga Samvidhan Rally. Imtiaz Jaleel is demanding the arrest of Ramgiri Maharaj and Nitesh Rane for allegedly making communal statements against Prophet Muhammad. However, the Mumbai Police have confirmed that Imtiaz Jaleel has not received permission to enter the city. The police have set up barricades at the Mulund Toll Plaza, which is one of the entry point to Mumbai, the officials said. Security has also been deployed to manage the situation and ensure public safety, sources said. Officials reported that Imtiaz Jaleel is currently in Padhgha area of Maharashtra's Thane, and will be stopped at the toll plaza. Meanwhile, Jaleel has stated his intention to enter Mumbai to submit copies of the Constitution to the ruling Mahayuti and senior police officers, urging them to take action against Nitesh Rane and Ramgiri Maharaj.
23 September,2024 05:21 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanShiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has said that the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena are deliberately attempting to remove the Ajit Pawar-led NCP from the Mahayuti alliance ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024. Raut remarked that the BJP is using a "use and throw" policy and advised Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to be wary since the BJP may target his side next, reported PTI. "The BJP is adopting the use and throw strategy. The BJP and Shinde-led Shiv Sena are systematically taking steps to oust Ajit Pawar-led NCP," Raut told reporters per the news agency report. Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: NCP reacts to Raut's statements In response, NCP state president Sunil Tatkare disputed Raut's assertions, claiming that the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP will compete in the elections as a single bloc. He accused the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of creating security-related allegations concerning the alliance's stability due to their inability to perform well. "These rumours should not be taken seriously. The BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP are together and will continue to contest the elections as one alliance," Tatkare said. Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: BJP hits back Senior MLA Ashish Shelar also dismissed the idea of a rupture between the BJP and the NCP, claiming that such reports were made up by the opposition due to their fading prospects. He stated that negotiations were taking place between the Congress and the NCP (Sharad Pawar) about contesting the elections without the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. Shelar also stated that Uddhav Thackeray attempted to position himself as the chief ministerial candidate for the MVA but was reportedly turned down by both Sharad Pawar and Congress leaders. "The talks that BJP would part ways with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP are merely rumours. The opposition MVA has lost the ground to challenge us, they have lost the steam to put up a fight. The sand is slipping from under their feet given the growing support of people to the Mahayuti government. Uddhav met Congress leaders in Delhi with the agenda to make them announce the name of the next CM face of MVA. But, he was snubbed by Sharad Pawar and cold-shouldered by Congress," Shelar commented. Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Mahayuti has concluded preliminary seat-sharing The political dynamics surrounding the Ajit Pawar-led NCP have come under examination, especially in light of the BJP's poor showing in Maharashtra's Lok Sabha elections. The NCP won only one seat, while the side led by Sharad Pawar gained eight, raising concerns about Ajit Pawar's dominance in the alliance. Despite this, Ajit Pawar has indicated that the Mahayuti alliance has concluded preliminary seat-sharing agreements and that his party intends to fight 60 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024.
23 September,2024 04:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a significant political development ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Raj Thackeray on Monday met Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde. The meeting has sparked speculation regarding potential alliances and strategies as political parties gear up for the crucial polls. The discussions between Raj Thackeray and CM Shinde took place at the Chief Minister’s official residence, Varsha. महाराष्ट्र नवनिर्माण सेनेचे अध्यक्ष राज ठाकरे यांनी आज वर्षा निवासस्थानी सदिच्छा भेट घेतली. यावेळी राज्यातील विविध विषयांवर चर्चा झाली.#Eknathshinde #Shivsena@RajThackeray pic.twitter.com/WTXojROWzd — Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) September 23, 2024 CM Shinde also shared pictures of his meeting with MNS chief on X. The elections to 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra are likely to be held in November. In the current assembly, the BJP is the single largest party with 103 MLAs, followed by Shiv Sena 40, NCP 41, Congress 40, Shiv Sena (UBT) 15, NCP (SP) 13 and others 29. Some seats are vacant. Seat share for the upcoming Maharashtra polls between the Mahayuti alliance parties are yet to be finalised. Meanwhile, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Sunday said that his party Republican Party of India (RPI-A), an ally in the ruling Mahayuti, should get to contest on at least 10 to 12 seats in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024. Addressing a press conference in Maharashtra's Nagpur, Ramdas Athawale said the RPI-A will contest the election on its party symbol and ask for three to four seats in Vidarbha, including north Nagpur, Umred (Nagpur), Umarkhed in Yavatmal and Washim, reported the PTI. Ramdas Athawale's party is part of the Mahayuti alliance which comprises of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The Union minister said, "The RPI-A has made a list of 18 probable seats, which it will be sharing with the Mahayuti partners in a few days and expects to get at least 10 to 12 seats in the seat-sharing pact," as per the PTI. Ramdas Athawale said that the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP should give four seats each from their quota for his party. Ramdas Athawale had earlier claimed that due to the inclusion of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP in the Mahayuti government, the RPI (A) did not get any ministerial berth in the state despite a promise.
23 September,2024 03:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway on Monday said that it has planned to demolish part of Foot over Bridge (FOB) at Kandivali station in Mumbai in order to construct a skywalk at platform number 4. In a statement, the Western Railway said that in connection with the station improvement work of Kandivali station under MUTP-IIIA being carried out by Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC), it is proposed to construct a skywalk on platform no 4. For this, the existing staircase of south end FOB needs to be dismantled. The same will remain closed from 1st October, 2024. Inconvenience caused is highly regretted by WR, the Western Railway statement said. Western Railway to operate mega block of over 6 hours on intervening night Sept 23-24 In an another official statement on Sunday, the Western Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, said that it will operate a mega block of over 6 hours on intervening night Sept 23 and 24. In an official statement, the Western Railway said that to facilitate the construction of the 6th line between Goregaon and Kandivali stations, a major block of 6.30 hours will be taken on the 5th line and on UP Fast line from 23.00 hrs to 05.30 hrs during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, i.e. on 23rd/24th September, 2024. According to a press release issued by Vineet Abhishek – Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, during the block, all UP Fast line trains will run on the UP Slow line between Borivali and Andheri from 23.00 hrs to 03.30 hrs. Due to this block, few suburban trains will be affected and will be cancelled/short terminated during the block period. Some trains would be cancelled or short terminated during the block period "Further details to this effect is available with concerned Station Masters. Passengers are requested to please take note of the above arrangements," the WR statement said on Sunday. Partially Cancellation/Short Termination of Trains: 1. Train No. 90979 Churchgate – Borivali local of 23rd September, 2024 departing from Churchgate at 22:24 hrs will run upto Malad and will remain cancelled between Malad & Borivali. 2. Train No. 94078 Virar – Andheri Fast AC local of 23rd September, 2024 departing from Virar at 22:44 hrs will be short terminated at Borivali. 3. Train No. 94079 Andheri - Bhayandar Fast AC Local of 23rd September, 2024 departing from Andheri at 23:55 hrs will short originate from Borivali at 23:25 hrs. 4. Train No. 90001 Bandra – Borivali local of 24th September, 2024 departing from Bandra 04:05 hrs will run upto Goregaon and will remain cancelled between Goregaon & Borivali. This local will be run as an extra local for Churchgate (SLOW mode) departing from Goregaon at 04:38 hrs. 5. Train No. 92035 Borivali – Virar local of 24th September, 2024 departing from Borivali at 08:12 hrs will be run upto Nallasopara and will remain cancelled between Nallasopara & Virar. 6. Train No. 90294 Virar – Borivali Slow local of 24th September, 2024 departing from Virar at 09:05 hrs will run upto Churchgate with FAST mode between Borivali – Andheri – Bandra – Dadar - Mumbai Central. 7. Train No. 92067 Churchgate – Borivali local of 24th September, 2024 departing from Churchgate at 09.19 hrs will run upto Nallasopara with FAST mode between Churchgate - Mumbai Central – Dadar – Bandra – Andheri – Borivali. 8. Train No. 94004 Borivali – Churchgate Slow AC local of 24th September, 2024 departing from Borivali at 04:32 hrs will run upto Churchgate with FAST mode between Andheri – Bandra – Dadar - Mumbai Central. 9. Train No. 90020 Bhayandar – Churchgate Fast local of 24th September, 2024 departing from Bhayandar at 04:10 hrs will run with SLOW mode upto Churchgate. 10. Train No. 90042 Bhayandar – Churchgate Fast local of 24th September, 2024 departing from Bhayandar at 04:45 hrs will run with SLOW mode upto Churchgate. 11. Train No. 90190 Virar – Bandra Slow local of 24th September, 2024 departing from Virar at 07:25 hrs will run upto Churchgate with SLOW mode. 12. Train No. 94019 Churchgate – Virar AC local of 24th September, 2024 departing from Churchgate at 09:23 hrs will run upto Virar with FAST mode between Churchgate - Mumbai Central – Dadar – Bandra – Andheri – Borivali – Bhayandar – Vasai Road - Virar.
23 September,2024 03:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn its latest weather update, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a yellow alert for Mumbai and predicted thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, heavy rainfall (64.5 - 115.5 mm). The IMD forecast for Mumbai read, "Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, heavy rainfall and gusty winds at isolated places". For Thane and Palghar, the weather bureau has predicted thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds (30-40kmph) at isolated places. Mumbai is likely to experience thunderstorm, lightning and heavy rainfall till Wednesday. For Thursday and Friday, IMD has predicted moderate and light to moderate rainfall, respectively. Earlier on Monday, IMD had predicted light spells of rainfall in Mumbai. The maximum temperature is expected to be 32 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature is likely to be 27 degrees Celsius. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), in its Mumbai weather update, said a high tide will occur at 3.10 pm, reaching a height of 3.76 metres, while a low tide is expected at 9.10 pm dropping to 0.85 metres. Tomorrow, high tide is predicted at 4.16 am with a height of 3.91 metres and low tide at 10.17 am at 2.17 metres. The BMC had earlier stated on Monday that the water levels in Mumbai's seven reservoirs, which supply the city with potable water, have reached 97.96 per cent. Based on data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the combined water stock of the Mumbai lakes stands at 14,17,777 million litres at present, or 97.96 per cent of their capacity. Cloudy skies in Delhi, AQI in 'moderate' category The minimum temperature in the national capital has settled a notch above normal at 24.9 degrees Celsius, news agency PTI reported, quoting IMD. The maximum temperature is likely to settle around 36 degrees Celsius. At 8.30 am, the humidity level was recorded at 88 per cent, it added. The weather office has predicted partly cloudy skies. The national capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded in the 'moderate' category with a reading of 155 at 9 am, according to Central Pollution Control Board data. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', while that between 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 is 'moderate', 201 and 300 is 'poor', 301 and 400 is 'very poor', and 401 and 500 is 'severe'.
23 September,2024 02:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert on Monday for Pune, Raigad, Satara, and other districts, forecasting heavy rainfall, according to the latest Maharashtra weather update. A yellow alert was also issued for Monday in several other districts across the state, including Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Dhule, Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Pune, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, Beed, Sangli, Latur, Amravati, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Nagpur, and Wardha. The IMD forecast for these districts stated, "Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds at isolated places." The weather department, in their Maharashtra weather update, also issued a yellow alert for Mumbai and predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, and heavy rainfall (64.5 - 115.5 mm). For Thane and Palghar, the weather bureau has predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds (30-40kmph) at isolated places. Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light spells of rainfall in Mumbai on Monday, as per the latest Mumbai weather update. The weather agency, in their Mumbai weather update, has forecast a "partly cloudy sky with possibility of light rain and thundershower towards afternoon or evening in city and suburbs" for the next 24 hours. Temperatures are expected to range from a maximum of 32 degrees Celcius to a minimum of 26 degrees Celcius, the IMD said. Humidity levels remained high, with Mumbai's Colaba area at 80 per cent and Santacruz at 83 per cent, the IMD said. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), in its Mumbai weather update, said a high tide will occur at 3.10 pm, reaching a height of 3.76 metres, while a low tide is expected at 9.10 pm dropping to 0.85 metres. Tomorrow, high tide is predicted at 4.16 am with a height of 3.91 metres and low tide at 10.17 am at 2.17 metres. Mumbai lakes supplying water reached 97.96 pc capacity The BMC had earlier stated on Monday that the water levels in Mumbai's seven reservoirs, which supply the city with potable water, have reached 97.96 per cent. Based on data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the combined water stock of the Mumbai lakes stands at 14,17,777 million litres at present, or 97.96 per cent of their capacity. Mumbai gets its water from the Upper and Middle Vaitarnas, Bhatsa, Tansa, Vihar, Tulsi, and Modak Sagar. The civic body's data on the Mumbai lakes indicates that Tansa's water level is 96.66 per cent. 92.83 per cent of the water stock is accessible at Modak-Sagar. In Middle Vaitarna 98.99 per cent, Upper Vaitarna 99.15 per cent, Bhatsa 98.39 per cent, Vihar 100 per cent and Tulsi 98.74 per cent of useful water level is available.
23 September,2024 02:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe reopening of a restaurant, that earlier went by the name Wakai (as per BMC records) in the B wing of the Mangal Sandesh building on 17th Road, Khar, has alarmed residents, who fear it may soon be turned into a nightclub. Renovations are currently underway, which has left locals upset. Residents of 20 surrounding buildings are worried that the reopening could worsen longstanding issues tied to the establishment, potentially becoming a bigger nuisance for the neighbourhood. They have launched a signature campaign and filed complaints with both the ward office and Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. Additionally, they have reached out to their local MLA and await positive responses from the BMC and other authorities. Some residents have even alleged that the restaurant obtained its permits through forged documents. Residents said the restaurant’s garbage adds to the menace Attempts to contact the property owner, Manish Jain, through calls and messages, were unsuccessful. The property is under the insolvency department and liquidator and has been rented out to Wakai Hospitality Private Limited. mid-day also tried to reach out to Wakai Hospitality Pvt Ltd and those involved in the renovations, but no one responded to calls, messages, emails and messages on Instagram. “When the restaurant opened in May 2023, the music at Wakai was so loud it shook the whole building, and despite our repeated complaints, nothing changed. Eight months later, in March this year, the restaurant shut down and we finally had peaceful nights. Now, we fear its return in a new avatar. Don’t we have the right to peaceful sleep?” said Haresh Lalwani, a first-floor resident of Mangal Sandesh. Article 21 of the Constitution states that citizens have a fundamental right to a peaceful, dignified life without any encroachment on their privacy, and to live life without public nuisance surrounding them. Residents claim the restaurant was illegally approved, having been converted from a studio to a restaurant. They allege the B wing owner provided a self-signed NOC by the restaurant owner himself without any authority and the knowledge and consent of the Mangal Sandesh building (Puja House Apartment Condominium members), without any authority. Moreover, the restaurant has reportedly extended its premises by enclosing the front open space of the building. Another resident, Utkarsh Raipat, added, “The restaurant also misused a flat in the residential ‘A’ wing for staff, security, and valet quarters, causing major security and inconvenience issues. The restaurant enclosed the front space and installed air conditioning, clearly intending to permanently misuse the area.” The residents of Mangal Sandesh and 20 other buildings on 17th Road have sent a complaint to the Khar Residents Association (KRA). Ashok Mansukhani, from the adjacent Palazzo Residency, said, “People would drink and fight, and back then, the gate was on the other side. Now, it’s near our building. This road is too narrow for restaurants, and there’s no parking space. It’s also a fire hazard with no proper escape routes." Anandini Thakoor, trustee of KRA, said, “Wakai opened last year in the rented ‘B’ wing of Mangal Sandesh without the consent of the building's residents but soon shut down. The ground-plus-one-storey ‘B’ wing is attached to the stilt-plus-10-storey ‘A’ wing by a common wall, creating noise, privacy, and safety concerns for the residents. Now, they may change the name of the restaurant but the nuisance will be the same or more.” She noted that a letter opposing the nightclub in a residential area was given to Gagrani during his visit to Khar Gymkhana on September 16. Gagrani confirmed he had instructed BMC officials to investigate and take necessary measures to maintain local harmony. “We have received complaints about the restaurant on 17th Road, with residents citing noise, crowds, and parking issues. We’ll conduct an inquiry and take appropriate action,” said Vinayak Vispute, assistant commissioner of the H West ward. A BMC source stated that no specific policy restricts restaurants or bars in residential areas, but they can take action if residents claim nuisance.
23 September,2024 01:37 PM IST | Mumbai | Prajakta KasaleADVERTISEMENT
