12 hotels face NMMC heat over extensions

NOTICES SENT Civic body says eateries have encroached spaces around their premises, files affidavit in high court

The NMMC is all set to take action against 12 hotels in the city that have encroached areas around its premises and are allegedly using it for commercial purpose.

On Thursday, it submitted an affidavit in the high court.

NMMC has told the court that notices have been issued t o hotel owners. Once t he replies are received, the illegal constructions and encroachments will be demolished. It is expected to be done within a week.

T here are a number of hotels and restaurants in the city, which have taken over the areas around them.

Sometime back the hotel owners had approached MLA Manda Mhatre and with her help sought permission to use marginal space from NMMC. Municipal commissioner Dinesh Waghmare had then granted permission, however the permission was cancelled following opposition by the residents.

Illegal constructions and encroachments seem to have become the order of the day in the city. Allegations are being made that some local ward officers and corporators turn a blind eye to the encroachments by the hotel owners.

The space that is necessary for rescue operations during natural disasters and emergencies has been taken over by many hoteliers.

With the officials patronizing such restaurants and hotels, the anti- encroachment squad can take little action against them.

Notices to the restaurants have come only after a public interest litigation was filed on the issue. Two officials too have been appointed to inquiry into the matter.

The notices given to t he hoteliers ended on Tuesday, however, since the affidavit had to be filed by February 18 in the Bombay high court, NMMC has stated that it has issued notices.

It has assured that action will be taken once the replies are received.

It is hence expected that NMMC will act against the hotels next week.

Additional municipal commissioner Ankush Chavan said, “We are expecting replies soon from the 12 hotels to which notices have been issued. They have been given a chance to have their say, as laid down in the law.”

He added, “Besides, we have two officials personally inspecting the hotels. Accordingly, an action plan will be readied in the next week.”

The hotel managements have refused to speak but stated that they will follow the rule of law. They said they will follow up on their demands with the authorities.

THE NOTICES GIVEN TO THE HOTELIERS ENDED ON TUESDAY. THE AFFIDAVIT HAD TO BE FILED BY FEBRUARY 18 IN BOMBAY HIGH COURT