The Times of India                27.12.2013

BMC will forcibly demolish walls to widen Bandra road

MUMBAI: Residents reluctant to give up their compound walls for the widening of St Martin's Road in Bandra may finally have to give in as the civic body seems to be adamant to claim them, and even use force to do so.

If demolished, the walls of 13 plots will reportedly help widen the road from 9m to 12.2m. St Martin's Road is close to Globus Mall and leads to Hill Road. The road widening is expected to ease traffic on the stretch coming from Hill and Turner roads.

Owners of only four plots have so far surrendered their walls, the areas of which will be utilized for the project. Most residents are, however, not convinced by the plan. Among the 13 structures along St Martin's Road, are a heritage cottage, Arc, and actor Mala Sinha's bungalow. Several trees, including coconut, jackfruit and gooseberry, also line the stretch. "We have already given the BMC a part of setback land (the distance between a house and road) twice.

The road does not need to be widened as the stretch is used for valet parking," claimed Junaid Rokad, Sinha's son-in-law.

Though the residents have had two public meetings and sent two letters to the authorities, civic officials seem to be firm in their stand. "We have already demolished three walls. Four owners have surrendered and six compound walls will be demolished before Monday. Police protection will be taken for it," said a senior civic official from H (west) ward office. The BMC would take away the walls of the residents, who are reluctant to surrender, he added.

"We cannot reconsider the decision. Notices have been served. We will use the help of the police to forcibly take away the area," said the senior civic official.