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Unauthorised Structure Raises Concerns: BMC Sleeps Over Illegal Construction at Food Villa

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Food Villa

Siddhant Mohite, Mumbai Uncensored, 8th July, 2023:

MUMBAI: Food Villa, a well-known restaurant located in Bungalow no. 155 in SVP Nagar MHADA, has found itself at the center of a burgeoning controversy. The restaurant is under scrutiny for the erection of an unauthorised ‘shed’, converted into a fully covered floor on top of the bungalow, a blatant violation of building codes in the region.

The Food Villa, revered for its culinary offerings, has been skirting regulations in its quest for expansion, having built this extra floor without obtaining the required permissions from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the primary governing civic body of Mumbai.

Critics are now questioning the oversight of BMC authorities, alleging negligence and laxity in enforcing the city’s stringent building rules. Despite the structure’s clear visibility and blatant disregard for regulations, the BMC has yet to intervene.

Local residents have expressed their concerns over the flouting of building norms. “When you live in a city, there are rules and regulations we need to adhere to for the benefit of all residents,” said a resident of SVP Nagar MHADA. “We expect the authorities to enforce these rules, irrespective of who is involved.”

As it stands, the structure is not only an infraction of building norms but also raises questions about safety standards. Encroachments such as these often fail to meet the necessary safety protocols, creating potential hazards for employees and patrons alike.

The unauthorised construction raises several key questions. How could such an overt violation of building rules go unnoticed? How many other establishments in the city are operating similarly, under the radar? And most importantly, why has there been no action from the BMC?

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent enforcement of rules and regulations, particularly in a densely populated city like Mumbai. It brings to light the urgent necessity for vigilant oversight to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the city’s residents.

The BMC authorities’ inaction is a glaring indication of the procedural lapses and bureaucratic lethargy that often hinder the enforcement of city planning rules and regulations.

The Mumbai Uncensored News team has reached out to Somesh Shinde, Assistant Engineer, (Building Factory Department, K West Ward) for comments. However, they have remained unavailable for a statement at the time of writing.

Going forward, it will be interesting to see if this blatant violation will act as a wake-up call for the BMC, and whether they will indeed enforce the existing rules and norms. One thing is clear: Mumbai’s residents expect, and indeed deserve, better.

BMC

Mumbai Uncensored Impact: BMC Demolishes on Illegal Constructions in Versova, Suspends Assistant Engineer Somesh Shinde

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Siddhant Mohite, Mumbai Uncensored:

In a significant development prompted by a letter from Mumbai Uncensored dated April 5th to the BMC, the municipal body has demolished Illegal Constructions in Versova. The BMC has also suspended Somesh Shinde, an Assistant-engineer from the K West ward, for neglecting illegal and unauthorized constructions under his jurisdiction in Andheri West, particularly in the CRZ areas of Versova. Despite multiple complaints, Somesh Shinde failed to take appropriate action against these violations.

An additional blow to Somesh Shinde’s professional conduct was his absence from a crucial meeting with municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani on June 5. For this absence, he has been issued a show-cause notice and given two days to respond.

Further compounding his suspension, on June 3, Somesh Shinde was instructed to prepare for the demolition of three unoccupied buildings in Versova, including arranging manpower and logistics. However, he neglected these duties. On the day of the demolitions, while senior officials stood in the sun overseeing the operations, Shinde was found sitting in a private air-conditioned car and left before the demolition was complete.

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Illegal Constructions on Versova Sea Coast

The suspension order also accuses Somesh Shinde of chronic absenteeism, not reporting to the office, and manipulating his attendance records by punching in outside of the workplace. A departmental inquiry is underway, and his suspension will remain in effect until its conclusion.

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Illegal Constructions on Versova Sea Coast

In related actions, Swapnil Kolekar, Executive Engineer of the K West ward, has been transferred to another department. Meanwhile, a dedicated team has been formed to identify unauthorized constructions in the CRZ areas of Versova and prepare for their demolitions.

The news of demolition of illegal constructions follows a letter submitted by Mumbai Uncensored to the BMC on April 5th, highlighting the ongoing issues and urging for stringent action against the negligence of duties by municipal officials.

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Corruption Scandal Unveiled: BMC Officials Accused of Siphoning Off Crores Meant for Laborers in Mumbai’s Cleanliness Schemes

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Siddhant Mohite, Mumbai Uncensored, 7th December 2023:

Mumbai Uncensored has unearthed a shocking case of corruption involving high-ranking officials in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The scandal, exposed by social worker Mr. Rameez Raja, reveals a systematic embezzlement of funds intended for laborers engaged in the Swachhata Yojna, Motor Loading, Manning & Mopping Scheme.

In 2007, BMC initiated these schemes, employing laborers through registered NGOs. Alarming details emerged regarding their paltry daily wages, which ranged from Rs. 141 in early 2007 to a marginal increase of Rs. 144 to Rs. 146 in 2008. Concerns over unjust wages prompted BMC’s standing committee to pass resolutions in 2010 and 2011, specifying minimum wages for laborers through circulars dated 30.4.2011 and 2.9.2021.

However, Mumbai Uncensored’s investigation reveals a nefarious plot within the BMC’s Western Suburbs (Zone 3). SWM Executive Engineer Mr. Chandan Shive, along with a network of SWM officials, allegedly manipulated funds. Instead of ensuring fair compensation to NGOs and, consequently, laborers, these officials diverted a substantial portion—estimated between 20-22 crores—for personal gain.

Trusted sources affirm that Mr. Rameez Raja, a vigilant social worker, has sent a detailed letter to the Chief Minister outlining the corruption. Raja emphasizes the urgent need for a thorough investigation and the suspension of implicated BMC officials. The funds, he insists, rightfully belong to the laborers who toiled diligently to maintain the city’s cleanliness.

Mumbai Uncensored has obtained a copy of a letter from Mr. Hemant Sawant, additional deputy commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Department, Mumbai. Addressed to BMC Commissioner Mr. Iqbal Singh Chahal, the letter lists multiple complaints received from citizens, the Maharashtra Government, and the Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Despite these grave allegations, no visible actions have been taken by the BMC.

This revelation raises serious questions about the integrity of BMC officials and their commitment to addressing corruption within their ranks. Mumbai Uncensored will continue to investigate and report on this matter to ensure accountability and justice for the laborers who deserve their rightful compensation.

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BMC Sub Engineer Gopal Khatke from K West Solid Waste Department Allegedly Demands Bribes from Contractors

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Siddhant Mohite, Mumbai Uncensored:

In a troubling development, Gopal Khatke, a sub-engineer within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Solid Waste Department, K-West Ward, stands accused of demanding bribes from contractors. The allegations have sparked a rigorous investigation, with Mumbai Uncensored closely examining the evidence brought forth.

The accusations against Khatke have raised serious concerns about the integrity of BMC’s Solid Waste Department and its commitment to transparency and ethical conduct.

The evidence presented to Mumbai Uncensored reveals a pattern of behavior where Gopal Khatke is alleged to have sought illicit financial gain from contractors in exchange for various privileges and leniencies in their dealings with the BMC. These practices not only undermine the principles of fair competition but also cast a dark shadow over the city’s waste management efforts.

The BMC is known for its commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. However, the allegations against Gopal Khatke threaten to tarnish this reputation. In light of the seriousness of the claims, a comprehensive investigation is warranted to establish the veracity of the accusations and determine the extent of any wrongdoing.

The implications of such allegations extend beyond the individual in question, as they potentially compromise the effectiveness and transparency of the BMC’s operations. Consequently, swift and impartial action is imperative to maintain public trust and ensure that the BMC remains a beacon of integrity.

Mumbai Uncensored will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as the investigation unfolds. We urge the BMC and relevant authorities to treat this matter with the utmost gravity and take the necessary measures to address these allegations promptly.

The citizens of Mumbai have the right to expect that public officials adhere to the highest standards of conduct, and any deviations from these principles must be met with the full force of the law.

As this story develops, Mumbai Uncensored will keep a watchful eye on the proceedings, demanding that justice is served and accountability is upheld.

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