No revelry, no power, only debris…

Though the Kamala Mills compound is a favourite party destination, especially on New Year’s eve, but this time almost all pubs and eateries were shut in view of the gruesome fire tragedy.

One of the staff member of Play Lounge situated at Kamala Mill compound, while speaking to the Free Press Journal, said, “We have temporarily shut the pub and called off all New Year parties, as we are in no mood to celebrate. Along with us, other adjacent pubs have also decided to remain shut. Though we had some pre-booking; however, we have informed them and cancelled the same.”

Another restaurant manager, Manoj Kotiyan of Shiv Sagar and bar restaurant -- which is situated just opposite ‘Mojo Bistro’ and ‘1 Above’ -- said the entire mill compound has been barricaded and, therefore, revellers were unable to drive inside. “Also, since there is no electricity in the compound and no illumination whatsoever, no one is interested in coming here. Moreover, the debris of the illegal restaurants and pubs, which have been demolished by the BMC, has not been cleared yet.”

He added the restaurant only had visitors from nearby media houses who dropped in for tea and snacks;

otherwise, there was no business. Two months back they had started a bar outlet in their hotel and special preparations had been made for ushering the New Year but all those efforts had come to naught. To add to their woes, political parties, too, were forcing them to down their shut, Kotiyan added.

The BMC officials on Sunday continued with the demolition drive and took action against popular eateries.

Narendra Shah, a resident of Nepean Sea Road, South Mumbai, said, “Every year we have a family get-together at some restaurant with lots of dance and music but this year the new party was at Marine drive. Being a Mumbaikar we have decided not to celebrate much, rather welcome the year in a calm and peaceful manner.”