Patkar halts BMC demolition

Social activist Medha Patkar’s intervention halted a BMC demolition drive at Tulsiwadi near Mahalaxmi Race Course, on Wednesday morning.
The BMC, in its continued drive of demolition of dilapidated buildings, had sent officials for the demolition of a building in the area which was served a notice earlier, according to a BMC official of D-ward. “39 out of the 56 families have already been evacuated from the building and are staying in the transit camp. But a few families have resisted the BMC move refusing to leave the building,” he said.
When a BMC staff of 150 with the security of 200 policemen started the demolition work, Patkar, who was present at the site, handed over a notice issued by the High Court to Assistant Municipal Commissioner Ramesh Pawar directing him not to demolish the building till December 5.
“We got an order for demolishing the building today but we will wait till December 5,” said Pawar.
But Patkar said, “This building is at a prime location near the Race Course, and so, builders, the BMC and politicians have an eye on this property.”
Govind Kataria (44), a resident of the building, said injustice has been meted out to them and they would fight for their right. “If they had to demolish the building why did they waste Rs 27 lakh in its repairs a few months back?” Now we are waiting for the court’s decision,” he said.

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