BMC targets restaurant operator for complaining against hawkers outside KEM,
BMC targets restaurant operator for complaining against hawkers outside KEM,
The rigid attitude of the BMC Officials against restaurant operators, Bars and other small time business operators is well known.
The recent case in point is of a 62-year-old Hotel Milan outside KEM hospital in Parel.
Jaswant Singh has alleged that he is being targeted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) with multiple raids after he complained about the hawkers to the civic body.
55-year-old Jaswant Singh of the Milan Restaurant, ever since he complained of the nuisance of the hawkers, the BMC Officials have been targeting his restaurant by BMC for complaining against hawkers outside KEM.
Sharing details over the raids, Jaswant Singh shared that his complaints have resulted in multiple visits by civic body’s building and factory department officials, health department officials and fire officials. Singh also alleged that in the name of ‘deep cleaning’ drive, a shed outside his restaurant, which he said is legal, was demolished early morning on March 2 without any intimation or notices.
BMC officials on the other hand articulate that they are following due procedure and acting on the encroachment and alterations in the restaurant.
Singh is being targeted and issue he is facing is because he had complained about the hawkers, who are working in tandem with BMC. The space outside his restaurant is also legal. They were given a licence in 2001 for its usage and have all the documents for it.
Singh added that this is one of the oldest restaurants outside KEM hospital established in 1962. “All these years, BMC did not find any fault, and now the civic body is conducting multiple visits and initiating action.iii
He further went on to add that his business is also adversely affected by hawkers who do not have to pay any licence fee or taxes.
Due process was not followed when BMC initiated a demolition drive during the deep cleaning activity. They are not given any notice nor any hearing for the same.
Mahesh Patil, assistant commissioner of the F South ward in Parel, opens up that there was no targeting of any shops. There is additional alteration and encroachment by the restaurant, and they acted on that basis.” Patil said officials found alteration behind the restaurant at the place of the kitchen and there were some encroachments found in the front. “After we received the complaints, we conducted an inspection and action is being taken on the basis of the complaint received. So there’s no need for a hearing.”
Singh, on the other hand, alleged that neither any notice was given nor any hearing before any action by BMC. “In the last five to six months, the fire department has visited twice, the building and factory department has visited twice, and the health department official has visited thrice. I am clearly being targeted. Can these officials not see any violations by the hawkers outside the restaurant,” Singh said.
Dr Ashwini Joshi, additional commissioner, city, said action is taken on illegal vendors/ occupiers of footpath as well as illegal shades /extensions/alterations done by restaurants in the area. “The complainants can approach this office for redressal of their grievances if they are feeling targeted by authorities of the ward. There is enough documentary evidence about alterations in the sanctioned plan so accordingly action is being taken.
News Edit K.V.Raman
