We need action against illegal structures, as they eat up precious open land in the city and are, at times, constructed on grounds that are meant to be recreation areas for the general public
BMC workers demolish the dome of Opal Convention Centre, yesterday. Pic/Nimesh Dave
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has demolished an air-conditioned dome, which hosted Borivli’s biggest Navratri celebrations for the past two years. Civic officials allege that the structure was constructed illegally.
The dome, which reportedly measured approximately 235 feet in length, 98 feet in width and 30 feet in height, was rented out for weddings, exhibitions, and large-scale events. A whistle-blower had flagged the issue. We need action against illegal structures, as they eat up precious open land in the city and are, at times, constructed on grounds that are meant to be recreation areas for the general public.
We also often learn about permissions being granted for a makeshift structure or even a mammoth shamiana or tent for a fixed amount of time. Yet, as the days go by, there is no sign of these being dismantled in accordance with the official timeline. These, then, continue to be used to host events/parties/gatherings and become money spinners for individuals and organisations. The permissions have long expired, but these are still in use. In some extreme cases, these become a fixture over time and stay put.
There have been several cases where legal structures stand, but then come illegal extensions or additions that somehow become part of this ‘legal’ entity and once they take deep root, it is very difficult to remove them.
In the case of the Borivli dome, a whistle-blower flagged the illegal structure. Yet, it is up to authorities to check permissions periodically and be alert to any kind of building or temporary structure coming up somewhere. It is vital to ascertain how and why permissions were obtained in the first place. If there is then, a corrupt system needs to be pulled out from its roots and demolished too.
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