NGO seeks demolition of illegal structures in Versova

Amid controversy surrounding stand-up comedian Kapil Sharma's illegal extension of his studio in suburban Versova here, a local NGO has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the BMC, seeking demolition of the illegal structures in the upscale locality.
Mehmood Shaikh, of NGO Disha, said out of 354 such structures, some Bollywood personalities owning 150 odd ones have converted their residential structures into commercial ones.
"I have written to the Chief Minister and the BMC Commissioner to demolish the illegal structures in pursuance to the Bombay High Court order," he said.
Just like the authorities demolished the illegal construction of Kapil Sharma's studio, similar action be taken against other illegal structures in Aaram Nagar and Versova, which houses residence of many film and TV actors, Shaikh said.

Shaikh sought to know as to what was holding BMC back in acting upon Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) complaint.
"If action can be taken against Kapil Sharma, then why not on others?" he questioned.

Meanwhile, Housing minister Prakash Mehta said illegal constructions in Aaram Nagar will be demolished after the monsoon season is over.
"Action on illegal structures and extensions at Aaram Nagar will definitely be taken after the monsoon season," Mehta said.
However, what has raised the eyebrows is that despite the HC orders and Supreme Court upholding it, BMC till date has not carried out demolition of any illegal structure in Versova.

Notably, MHADA had thrice written letters to the BMC, on June 7, 2015, March 8, 2016 and June 17, this year asking the BMC to take action in demolition of the illegal structures.
MHADA vice-president S S Zende had even pointed out that it had deposited Rs 70 lakh with the BMC to carry out the demolition activity.
The HC, in its order dated December 21, 2015, had directed the BMC to demolish the illegal structures. On May 6, 2016 the HC again gave time to the BMC to demolish the illegal structures.
Aaram Nagar, a MHADA colony is spread over 40 acres in Versova area of Andheri West.