Civic body cuts power supply to old buildings

The civic body disconnected the electricity supply of a dilapidated building at Mulund on Thursday after tenants refused to vacate it even after repeated reminders.

The civic body disconnected the electricity supply of a dilapidated building at Mulund on Thursday after tenants refused to vacate it even after repeated reminders.

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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) action was vehemently opposed by local corporators after which the power supply of the dilapidated Gajanan Mansion in Mulund was reinstated.

An inquiry has also been initiated against the civic official from the T-Ward (Mulund), who had written to the electricity providers in that area to discontinue power connection as the civic body has no right to discontinue electricity supply of a private building.

Protesting against the discontinuation of electricity supply to the building, the corporators adjourned the ward committee meeting on Thursday.

“There is no rule that gives BMC the right to discontinue electricity of a building. The civic body is jumping the gun,” said Prabhakar Shinde, Shiv Sena corporator.

Bharatiya Janata Party corporator Amita Shah opposed the move. “How can BMC officials recommend to cut power supply?” she asked.

Confirming action against the civic official, SR Hasnale, assistant municipal commissioner of T ward, said, “It is true that an official from the ward had written to the electricity provider asking to discontinue supply. We have initiated an inquiry against him.”

There are 244 dilapidated buildings across the city, and Gajanan Mansion has been on the BMC’s list of dilapidated buildings since 2008, but the tenants had so far refused to vacate it even on repeated reminders.