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ISSUE OF ENCROACHMENT
Juhu residents protest against ‘illegal’ eateries
Mumbai: The scene at Amar Juice Centre on Gulmohar Road, JVPD Scheme, was an unusual one on Sunday evening. Instead of the usual crowd thronging the famous eating joint, a group of citizens had assembled to protest against illegal eating joints in the area.
Displaying banners and placards, around 200 residents of the neighbourhood peacefully demonstrated against Amar Juice Centre as well as other eateries that have encroached on the pavements between Cooper Hospital and Mithibai College and have compounded the traffic problem in the area. “We are not against the eatery per se. But this particular eatery has been allowed to flourish illegally. This has encouraged many such joints to come up along the pavement. People frequenting the centre flout parking rules. Chairs are placed on pavements for the customers,’’ said local corporator Adolf D’Souza. “Besides, many of these joints are open till the wee hours, way past the deadline for eateries,’’ he added. The protesters demanded that Amar Juice Centre and other illegal joints in the area be demolished. According to an RTI reply received by residents of the area, the juice centre can only sell packed food at the counter. It does not have permission to cook and serve food. “However, the joint thrives on the food cooked there. It is flouting all rules,’’ said local activist Ashok Pandit. “It is open at odd hours of the night, which makes us wary of the activities going on there,’’ he added. For three years, the locals have opposed the joint, but to no avail. “We warn the authorities to take note of the situation and resolve it,’’ said Pandit. “If nothing happens in a week, we will rope in more citizens for our protest.’’ BITTER TASTE: One of the joints in question is a popular juice centre in JVPD Scheme
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