The Indian Express 01.05.2013
Armed with a plan, BMC set to raze illegal Campa Cola compound flats
Will undertake demolition in three phases.
As Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) gears up to demolish
illegal floors of seven highrises in Worli’s Campa Cola compound, civic
officials say they have well laid-out plan for the purpose.
Municipal Commissioner Sitaram Kunte said, “The first step will
be to make the unauthorised flats completely unhabitable for residents.
This will be done by breaking down internal walls of the structure,
kitchen, etc.”
The civic administration has appointed consultants for the
process, wherein they will ensure the safety of the rest of the
buildings and residents. A senior civic official said they will not
allow residents entry on floors beyond the fifth.
Additional municipal commissioner Mohan Adtani said the crew will
use vibrators and diamond-cutter technology for removing slabs.
Around 70 to 80 civic officials accompanying 200 civic labourers
and supported by 120 police personnel will comprise the demolition team.
“The charges for demolition will be borne by developers and occupants
jointly,” Adtani added.
Estimated to cost roughly Rs 2.5 crore, the demolition will be
undertaken in three phases. The first phase will involve taking down
internal walls, the second stage will break down the slabs, and in the
final stage, pillars and beams will be razed. The process will include
shifting water tanks at the top of the building to lower floors, said a
senior civic official.
The demolition process for the 140-odd unauthorised flats is
likely to continue for the next six to seven months. BMC will initially
take action on the 83 notices served to residents. It is planning to
serve notices on other illegal flats later, said Adtani.
BMC had earlier postponed demolition to May 2 on account of May 1
being a Labour Day. It had also cited lack of police protection as the
reason.
BMC’s stringent action comes after a Supreme Court ordered
demolition of all illegal floors in the buildings — Midtown, Esha Ekta
Apartments, Shubh Apartments, Patel Apartments (two buildings), B Y
Apartments and Orchid.