By Mewati Sitaram
In a battle that has stretched on for months, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a stern ultimatum to the management of Growels 101 mall in Kandivali East, Mumbai. Despite two prior notices urging the surrender of a designated Development Plan (DP) road passing through the mall’s premises, the authorities have now demanded that the mall promptly furnish the design for a proposed 60-foot access road.
The DP Road, which is meant to provide connectivity from Akurli Road to the Western Express Highway, has been a longstanding demand of the residents of Kandivali. However, the Growels 101 mall, which recorded earnings of Rs 40 crore last quarter, has been reluctant to relinquish control of the land and open up the thoroughfare.
In a recent meeting convened by Gopal Shetty, the Member of Parliament from North Mumbai, the mall authorities had committed to providing the design for the 60-foot access road within two days, with the promise of having the road operational within 15 days. Regrettably, nearly a month later, the mall has failed to fulfill its commitment, neither opening the road nor submitting the design plan to the BMC.
This lack of progress has irked the local residents, who have been persistently advocating for the opening of the DP road. The Lokhandwala Residents Association (LRA) of Kandivali (East) has been at the forefront of this battle, repeatedly reminding the BMC of the pending issue.
In response to the LRA’s latest reminder, the BMC has now issued a strongly worded letter to the owners of Growels 101 mall, M/s Grauer & Weil (India) Ltd. The letter, drafted by the assistant engineer (maintenance) of the R-South ward, Hemant Pant, emphasizes the need for the mall to urgently submit the design plan for the 60-foot access road.
Shishir Vivekanand Shetty founder of LRA
“It was stipulated [by the mall] that a comprehensive drawing delineating access to the Western Express Highway to the lane adjoining VIP House and Akurli Road would be forwarded to BMC. However, as of today, no such documentation has been received,” the letter states, urging the mall to treat the matter as “highly urgent.”
Shishir Vivekanand Shetty, the founder of LRA, expressed his disappointment with the lack of progress, stating, “I have maintained communication with both BMC and the mall, inquiring about the status of the 60-foot road opening. Unfortunately, we have yet to receive concrete responses, and no resolutions have materialized as pledged by MP Gopal Shetty. It appears that the mall is not actively pursuing the matter, contrary to the commitment made by Ravi Kothari of Growels mall.”
The BMC’s latest ultimatum marks a critical juncture in the ongoing tussle between the civic body and the Growels 101 mall. With the residents of Kandivali eagerly awaiting the opening of the DP road, the pressure is mounting on the mall authorities to fulfill their promises and cooperate with the BMC’s directives.
The outcome of this standoff will have far-reaching implications, not only for the daily commute of the Kandivali residents but also for the credibility of the local authorities and the mall management. As the 2024 elections loom, this issue could also become a political flashpoint, with voters closely scrutinizing the actions of their elected representatives and the responsiveness of the civic administration.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
