07 June,2025 07:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish Vaktania
The overflowing drainage line from Mani’s Café kitchen, right next to the Kamal Kunj building, which has to bear the stench daily. Pics/Ashish Raje
Dosa, idli, sambhar, chutney - all allegedly found rotting in the sewer line of Mani's Café kitchen (not to be confused with Mani's Lunch Home), at Rambaug Lane in Matunga. The neighbouring Kamal Kunj society has filed a complaint with BMC, citing continuous sewer overflows from the kitchen onto the road.
Residents said they are forced to keep their windows shut 24/7 due to the unbearable stench. The BMC has stated that a new sewer line can only be laid after the monsoon.
According to the landowners, the kitchen's 100-year-old drainage line was blocked two years ago after a nearby building underwent redevelopment. They claim that a new sewer line is in progress. Following a nuisance complaint, the BMC has decided to demolish the kitchen shed and seek a permanent solution to the drainage issue.
However, they also confirmed that digging permissions required for sewer work will only be granted post-monsoon.
The BMC further clarified that the new sewer line will be constructed by MHADA using MLA funds, and an executive engineer has been appointed for the task.
Residents of Kamal Kunj, which shares a boundary with the kitchen, allege that the kitchen's drainage is disconnected from the BMC system. Landowners Sunil and Chetan Karia told mid-day that while a drainage line exists, it is blocked and not connected to BMC's network. Inside the kitchen, food waste is filtered and packed in garbage bags, but dirty water overflows from the clogged line and spills along footpath into stormwater drains meant for rainwater.
Asha Mehta, a ground-floor resident of Kamal Kunj Society, said, "We have to keep our windows shut all day due to the constant flow of dirty water. This kitchen has been operational for two years, and we've made multiple complaints, but nothing has been done. Most residents here are senior citizens. The smell worsens at night. If any of us fall ill, Mani's Café and the BMC will be held responsible. We just want a solution - either the kitchen shuts down, or a proper sewer line is provided. We cannot face this stink through the monsoon."
Jayesh Daftari, landlord of Kamal Kunj Society, added, "The smell from the kitchen is unbearable due to the rotting idlis, dosas, vadas, chutneys, and sambhar. Dirty water flows nonstop during operating hours. The BMC started sewer line work months ago, but it was abruptly halted."
Another resident, Rajesh Sawla, said, "We keep our windows permanently shut. We need fresh air, but we can't even stand near the windows anymore. This kitchen supplies food to three outlets in Matunga, yet its drainage system is a disaster. Despite complaints, the BMC has done nothing."
Landowner Sunil Karia said, "Our 100-year-old line got blocked after redevelopment nearby. Same line is used for the temple, kitchen and the house in the same compound. The BMC line is too far - we need an 8.05 x 1.05 metre extension from the kitchen to the main line. MLA Kalidas Kolambkar and others are helping us. Once trenching permission is granted post-monsoon, work will begin."
His brother, Chetan Karia, said, "We have all necessary permissions to run the kitchen, which is rented out to Mani's Café. We've installed filters on the sewer line to prevent food waste from entering it. Only wastewater flows out. We've also hired staff to clean and disinfect the drain regularly."
Kumar Nadar, owner-partner at Mani's Café, said, "We've been running this kitchen for two years and maintain hygiene. We serve clean food to three outlets. The line exists but lacks a BMC connection. The landowners are helping us manage the overflow, and we hope the issue is resolved soon."
Speaking to mid-day, BMC Assistant Engineer Abhijeet Jain (Sewerage Department, F-North Ward) said, "We gave an NOC to the landlord to extend their sewer line to a BMC chamber located 25 feet away. The original line was blocked due to a dispute with the neighbouring society. MLA Kolambkar is helping with funding. MHADA had started work earlier but lacked BMC's permission, so it was stopped. We've collected excavation charges from the landlord. Work will begin after the monsoon."
BMC Assistant Engineer Sagar Karpe (Building & Factory Department) added, "We issued a demolition notice under the MRTP Act after receiving complaints. A speaking order has also been issued, and the illegal kitchen shed will be demolished."
