Mayor rejects bungalow at Byculla zoo
The newly elected Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Vishwanath Madeshwar has refused to live in the bungalow allotted at Jijamata Udyan, Byculla zoo.
The mayor said living on the zoo premises will go against the silent zone law. “I have written a letter to civic chief Ajoy Mehta saying that residing on the zoo premises is not possible as it falls under the silent zone area. My official vehicle and those of the visitors will pollute the area and it will be a breach of law,” said Mahadeshwar.
The mayor said animal and birds in the zoo would be disturbed by the entry of people for meetings and by the sound of cars. “Being the mayor of the city, officers and Consul Generals from different countries will visit the bungalow often. There will be meetings and heavy movement of vehicles and people which can be chaotic. This will disturb the animals and birds. Hence, I have asked for alternated allotment,” said Mahadeshwar.
He added “Nowadays animal lovers file cases under People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Act. To avoid such future instances against the Mayor I have written a letter.”
The allotment was made by BMC administration. He has instead given a list of bungalows at Malabar hill. He has written a letter to the civic commissioner Ajoy Mehta stating his preferences.
The original mayor’s bungalow at Shivaji Park, in a prime locality, is a heritage structure which has been designated for the Bal Thackeray memorial. Work at this site will begin soon.
He also emphasised that the place which is easily accessible to common people and in the centre of the city should be allotted.
An officer from BMC said, “The mayor has suggested two bungalows of Malabar hill. There is also a strong possibility of allotting the commissioner's bungalow to the mayor.”
Dues: The Mayor recently met CM Devendra Fadnavis and handed him a letter reminding him about the pending dues of the state government to the corporation. The state has to pay Rs.3,500 crore to the corporation.