Eateries encroach on public spaces in Nerul

NERUL: Nerul, which has in the past faced problems of overcrowding by hawkers , is now facing a different kind of encroachment where small eateries are taking over empty spaces.

Plot 23 in sector 8 of Nerul has seen a number of Indian and Chinese eateries crop up in the area next to the Rajiv Gandhi flyover. As a small but growing commercial area, the plot is home to several offices and restaurants. Huge crowds can be seen at night and the eateries have placed additional chairs and tables on the footpaths and open spaces.

This has invited criticism by resident as leftovers and food items, they claim, are being disposed of in open spaces leading to un-hygienic conditions, and are blocking pedestrians’ paths. They have demanded immediate action from authorities. But the number of encroachments has been steadily growing.

Even the local shopkeepers have expressed their annoyance. Mohammed Ibrahim, who has a shop in sector 8, “Some understanding between civic officials and hotel owners is behind this illegal activity. Many times civic officials have come to remove the illegal shops but left without any action. The eatery workers had removed those chairs and tables. It seems that they get information in advance,” said Mohammed Ibrahim, a shop owner in sector 8,

“Open spaces have heavily reduced in Nerul due to illegal accommodations and encroachments. The issue in sector 8 of Nerul is quite grave and it is high time the officials take action,” said Surya, a resident of Nerul.

“The hotels are slowly increasing their area of encroachment and also throwing waste in the nearby lanes, which makes them filthy. I agree that the food at these eateries is good, but they should function legally,” said Babu, another Nerul resident. “We have received several complaints on the issue. We are looking into it and will act soon in the matter,” said a civic official.

BACHCHAN KUMAR Several eating joints have put up tables and chairs outside their premises in Nerul.