“I had asked for information under RTI about the shops and whether they had the permission to construct more floors under the Kurar Pattern. After getting the information, when I checked on the ground, I found that most of the shops that do not have permission had indulged in illegal construction,” said Pipada, who lives in Mulund. “Many of these shops run eateries and a banquet hall that house hundreds of citizens at a time and the number multiplies on weekends.”

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Citing RTI data, Pipada said shop numbers 30, 36 and 46 to 51 were not given permission to construct any additional structures as they were not entitled to the benefit under the Kurar Pattern. Joints like MRP pub, Food Studio, Rajashri Marble and Sweet Home and Festa Banquets are operating from these illegal structures, said Pipada. mid-day reached out to these establishments for their version but none responded.

mid-day sought versions from many shops over the alleged illegalities but none responded

A source from T-ward, which covers Mulund area, said authorities had called for action through what is called a “speaking order” in BMC lingo in April. “The orders were issued to the shops claiming the construction was illegal and needed to be taken down but nothing has happened after that,” said the source. “After this, transfers happened in the BMC and new officials have arrived, who are yet to take any action,” he added. 

For two weeks, ward officials did not respond to mid-day’s queries over the status of the action on the illegal structures. Chakrapani Alle, assistant municipal commissioner of T-ward said, “The matter is very serious. I will instruct the officials concerned to look into it and take appropriate action. Also, we will inquire why action wasn’t taken earlier despite clear orders from our own office.” Alle said, “Also, I will ask the health officer to inspect the food outlets that are operating. Necessary action will be taken against the violators.”

50
No of shops that have allegedly violated rules