Gyms, storerooms in Bandra highrises razed

MUMBAI: Illegal constructions in two luxury residential towers in Bandra (west) were demolished over the past two days by the civic demolition squad.
Notices were issued to Jivesh Terraces at Bandra Bandstand and Kismet Towers on Perry Cross Road near Carter Road six months ago, but the demolition finally commenced on Tuesday. A municipal official from H-West ward said storerooms, rooms for drivers, gym and other unauthorized constructions in the two towers were razed.The BMC will continue the demolition drive on Friday, said sources.
The municipality had received complaints about the violations at the two towers from local residents. After inspecting the premises, civic officials issued the notices. “There were unauthorized constructions in the two buildings. After following the legal process, we started demolition of the unauthorized portions. Our action will continue for the next few days,” said Sharad Ughade, assistant municipal commissioner, H-West ward.
Civic officials are also examining the construction documents of the two Bandra highrises to check if there are any more irregularities.
In January, the municipality had received a complaint about unauthorized constructions, floor space index (FSI) violations, and illegal conversion of amenities and regular areas in the the 19-storey Kismet Towers —it houses duplexes, a huge basement parking and two stilt levels. Officials said on inspection, they found violations in the ducts and void area, four unauthorized storerooms in the basement, and an illegal gym room on lower stilt of the building. The BMC subsequently issued a notice under the Maharashtra Region Town Planning Act.
At Jivesh Terraces, located near actor Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat bungalow at Bandra Bandstand, civic officials found rooms had been illegally constructed in the basement for drivers and a small gym was set up on the recreation floor. Jivesh Terraces also houses duplexes, each priced over Rs 35 crore, according to sources.
Civic officials said that the municipality has received complaints about unauthorized constructions and FSI violations in several other buildings. They said they are looking into the complaints before deciding on further action.