Mumbai civic body demolishes illegal extensions of four eateries in Bandra and Andheri

They were sent notices by officials during their routine inspection around three months ago

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished illegal extensions of four popular restaurants in Bandra (West) and Andheri (West) over the weekend, freeing up 4,500 square meters of space.

The BMC has been razing illegal structures and extensions built by eateries across the city since the Kamala Mills fire. (For representational purpose only)

The eateries are Cafe Bandra and Lacuna Bar in Bandra; and China Gate and Tap in Andheri (West). They were sent notices by officials during their routine inspection around three months ago. Cafe Bandra at Pali Hill had encroached about 600 sqm of open space, said an official

In November, the BMC took action against Lacuna Bar for building a dining area measuring 2,000 sqm. “The owners encroached upon the space again and went to court, which struck down their petition. So, we have taken action against them again,” said a civic official.

The BMC on Saturday demolished two eateries on New Link Road at Lokhandwala.

Assistant municipal commissioner Prashant Gaikwad told HT, “Three months ago, we sent notices to China Gate and Tap located in the same building for illegal extensions. On December 30, we razed the front extension of Tap, and on Saturday, we removed the back extension and other illegal modifications. Unauthorised extensions at China Gate were also demolished.”

While a manager at China Gate denied demolition and violations, a representative of Tap said only the smoking area was cleared. Despite repeated attempts , representatives of Cafe Bandra and Lacuna Bar remained unavailable for a comment.

Civic chief suspended the demolition drive and gave establishments a 15-day deadline to remove unauthorised extensions. The civic body has asked commercial establishments to follow the 35-point ‘Fire Codified Requirement Manual’ within 15 days.