This city continues to be gobbled up by illegal constructions and encroachment
This city continues to be gobbled up by illegal constructions and encroachment. Recently, this paper ran a report about ace choreographer Shiamak Davar facing the BMC’s ire over his dance studio. Davar was issued a notice last month, stating that he needs to demolish certain unauthorised partitions and cabins. And he’s not the only one.
Davar’s case has been highlighted given that he is a famous name and face, but several galas under this almost 100-year-old bridge have been sent notices with reference to illegal alterations and additions carried out by them. While Mumbaikars have a tendency to blame the civic authorities for every problem — at times, this is justified — it is time we look at the mirror and see the finger pointing squarely back at us.
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Alterations and additions have become par for the course for small and big establishments in the city. Unauthorised expansions on pavements by eateries are common. Tables and chairs, eat up already scarce pedestrians space. In certain cases, entire pavements have been encroached on by shops and small enterprises.
From the streetside hawker, who keeps adding benches and carts to his stall, to restaurants that ‘expand’ their premises — they have the same attitude of ‘give us an inch, and we will take try to take a yard’.
In other instances, we see establishments making little awnings or extending the roofs outside their outlets. These keep getting bigger and shelter new additions made to the premises, and before you know it, these alterations become part of the establishment.
For those who keep blaming the BMC for shoddy civic works, this is flouting the rules too. It is important to follow the rules and not try and usurp space illegally. Blaming the BMC is one thing, but we, as citizens, need to demonstrate that we care for the city and its public infrastructure. Otherwise, pointing fingers is not only specious, it is also hypocritical.
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