Khar restaurants come under BMC hammer

Civic squad demolishes illegal shed at Le Sutra; notices sent to eateries in Union Park

The civic authority demolished illegal sheds erected by a popular Khar restaurant, which could well be the beginning of a crackdown on several eateries in the Union Park for violation of various rules.

The H/West ward has issued notices to at least three other outlets in the area for similar violations and complaints by local residents about encroachment and activities that pose a hazard are pending against some others.

No permission for sheds A squad of the H/West ward took down the extension sheds that were put up around "Le Sutra" ostensibly to ward off rain water. Ward officials said the restaurant, located off Carter Road, had not sought necessary permission for the shed.

"We issued a notice to the restaurant 15 days ago (under section 152 of MRTP Act) ordering them to remove the violations. Since they did not comply with the orders we had to start with the demolition of the illegal structures," said Prashant Sapkale, assistant municipal commissioner.

According to officials, a restaurant staffer had tried to assault Sapkale, who was leading the demolition squad, and an FIR was registered in the matter.

Hotel goes to court

Hetram Kumar, director, Pali Hill Tourist Hotels Pvt Ltd, which ownsLe Sutra said, "We moved the high court after we got the notice. Theward authorities should have waited for the hearing before carrying out the demolition. We have not carried out any illegal construction."

Notices to other outlets

Sapkale said notices had been issued simultaneously to three other eateries in the area Shatranj hotel, Olive and Nido for similar violations and action would be taken against them in the next couple of days.

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Khar restaurants come under BMC hammer