Mumbai civic body razes illegal extension of iconic Toto’s Garage and 24 others in Bandra

According to the BMC, 25 establishments had illegally built extensions such as shades and seating areas

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished extensions of various establishments, including the seating area outside iconic Toto’s Garage, near Pali Naka junction in Bandra on Thursday. A source said the bar would remain closed for a couple of days.

The BMC demolishes a portion of the bar in Mumbai on Thursday (HT)

According to the BMC, 25 establishments had illegally built extensions such as shades and seating areas. Most of them are stores and eateries.

The team which undertook the drive consisted of officials from the encroachment, building and factory, and license departments, said an civic official. The police provided security cover to these officials.

Apart form these 25 establishments, more than 30 unauthorised stalls and hawkers were removed. The official said illegal extensions of the 25 establishments were reducing the width of the road.

Assistant municipal commissioner Sharad Ughade told HT, “Such a congestion is not safe as fire tenders cannot pass through theses road during emergencies. Extensions outside Gondola restaurant, Celejor Bake Shop and Choice Super Market were demolished.”

A manager at Toto’s said he did not want to comment on the matter. “The restaurant should be opened again in a few days,” he said. Corporator Asif Zakaria, said, “Residents had complained about congestion at Pali Naka which is a bottleneck. We are also working on using the underground space for parking and hawkers.”