Mumbai: BMC razes illegal sheds at two more Andheri eateries

Mumbai city news: The action is part of a BMC drive against restaurants in the Juhu-Andheri stretch that have set up sheds or eating spaces that encroach into public space

After cracking down on three popular Juhu eateries for illegal extensions this week, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) took action against four more restaurants and lounges in Andheri’s Lokhandwala Complex and Oshiwara.

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The Andheri (West) ward office demolished permanent sheds put up illegally outside two Oshiwara restaurants.

The action is part of a BMC drive against restaurants in the Juhu-Andheri stretch that have set up sheds or eating spaces that encroach into public space — after civic chief Ajoy Mehta asked all 24 ward officers to act against such monsoon sheds and extensions.

Assistant municipal commissioner, Prashant Gaikwad, told HT, “These were permanent sheds put up without permission. Monsoon sheds are allowed for the season, but only after they have taken permission. If they exceed the permitted time, they too will be demolished.”

The ward office also sent notices to two restaurants in Lokhandwala Complex. Gaikwad said both establishments took down their sheds after this.

Every monsoon, several establishments across Mumbai erect sheds without the civic body’s permission.

The BMC has also been receiving complaints from citizens’ groups in Andheri (West) that restaurants and pubs were encroaching into areas that need to be kept free and open for easy access by fire engines in case of an emergency.