Mumbai: Viewing gallery over renowned Girgaum Chowpatty faces opposition

BJP, the opposition party in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, has called this deck as 'illegal and a threat to the existing ecosystem in the sea'. BJP leader Nitesh Rane has written a letter to BMC Commissioner Iqbal Chahal alleging that the Mumbai civic body in the name of beautification is miusing taxpayers' money in illegal constructions.
Mumbai

Representative Pic

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KEY HIGHLIGHTS
  • BMC is building a viewing gallery over the scenic Girgaum Chowpatty.
  • BJP's Nitesh Rane has called it as illegal, misuse of taxpayers' money and a threat to ecosystem.
  • BMC had sent notices to Rane's Juhu residence for 'illegal construction'
Mumbai's fourth viewing deck is under construction at the BR Tambe Square over the renowned Girgaum Chowpatty. The deck in South Mumbai is being built towards the northern tip of Girgaum Chowpatty and is expected to be inaugurated soon ahead of the crucial BMC elections.
However, now the viewing deck which is been constructed on an existing storm water drain at an estimated cost of Rs 2.5 crore, has faced staunch political opposition.
BJP, the opposition party in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, has called this deck as 'illegal and a threat to the existing ecosystem in the sea'. BJP leader Nitesh Rane has written a letter to BMC Commissioner Iqbal Chahal alleging that the Mumbai civic body in the name of beautification is miusing taxpayers' money in illegal constructions which may also invite trouble in the form of fine from Green Tribunal (NGT).
"While we do agree that Mumbai needs to be developed further to attract tourists, it should not be done in an illegal manner and taxpayers’ money should not be misused for the same. In a way, as per the MRTP Act it is your responsibility to ensure that this is followed," Rane wrote in the letter to Chahal.
"Towards the northern tip of the Girgaum Chowpatty, alongside the B R Tambe square, we have Corporation’s storm water drainage system which carries the rainwater to sea. The viewing gallery is being built on this very stormwater drainage system on an area of 475 square metre. The construction is being done by erecting pillars in the sea without taking any permission under the CRZ norms. It has effectively damaged the ecosystem in the sea. It may in the future invite some trouble in the form of fine from Green Tribunal (NGT)," Rane added.
The BJP leader also threatened to move court if appropriate action was not initiated by the BMC.
"I appeal to you (BMC Commissioner) to take proper action under MRTP Act and CRZ Act or else I will have to move courts under MRTP Act Section 56(A)," Rane's letter read.
Incidentally, the BMC had conducted inspections at Rane's Juhu residence and also sent notices asking to remove 'illegal constructions'.
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