Mumbai, Aug 25 (PTI) The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday said it has demolished unauthorised constructions and alterations in nine flats at the Rustomjee Crown residential complex in Prabhadevi in two days.
In a release issued on Tuesday, the civic body said it had issued notices to 138 of the 372 flats in the A and B wings of the building over alleged unauthorised constructions and alterations, following complaints of Floor Space Index (FSI) violations.
The complex houses apartments belonging to some politicians and other high-profile individuals.
According to the BMC, the action began on August 24 against violations of the sanctioned building plan and FSI norms at Rustomjee Crown, a high-rise building comprising three basements, a ground floor and 63 upper floors.
On the first day of the action, the civic body demolished unauthorised constructions in three flats. The BMC said the demolition drive continued on Tuesday, taking the total number of flats affected to nine.
The civic body also said it would recover the cost incurred in demolishing the unauthorised constructions and alterations from the concerned occupants.
According to the release, portions of common lobbies in some flats had been enclosed with wooden material and lightweight Siporex blocks and incorporated into the usable area of the apartments.
In some flats, portions of kitchen ducts and ventilation shafts had been enclosed using mild steel (MS) plates and incorporated into the flat area.
In one case, such an enclosed space was being used as a storeroom.
The BMC also said portions of rooms had allegedly been added to kitchen areas using Siporex material.
According to the civic body, the 14th to 63rd floors of the building are designated for residential apartments, while lower flats are for various utilities and facilities including parking.
The residential portion comprises A, B and C wings. The A and B wings, each comprising 186 flats, have received occupation certificates, the BMC said.
The release also highlighted that the demolition action was started against flats where the statutory process had been completed and speaking orders had been issued.
The action was carried out by civic staff and an appointed demolition contractor in accordance with the prescribed legal procedure.
The BMC said it had deployed 15 workers, two supervisors, four engineers and eight police personnel for the drive. Further action would be taken in other eligible cases after completion of the prescribed statutory process, it added.
Meanwhile, a media statement shared by Rustomjee Group said the construction was undertaken in accordance with plans sanctioned and approved by the competent authorities under the 1991 Development Control Regulations (DCR).
The group also clarified that there are no violations on the part of the developer.
“We have been fully cooperating with the authorities and have provided all necessary details and information sought by them. We have also been engaging with the members of the building and encouraging them to undertake the necessary corrective measures, wherever required,” the statement reads. PTI KK NP
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