AC hall that hosts Navratri dos and wedding receptions razed over illegal construction on mangrove land. Civic officials allege that the structure was constructed illegally without permission from the relevant BMC departments, even as it was rented out for weddings, exhibitions, and large-scale events.
BMC workers demolish the dome of Opal Convention Centre, yesterday. Pic/Nimesh Dave
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has demolished the entire structure of the Opal Convention Centre’s air-conditioned dome, which hosted Borivli’s biggest Navratri celebrations for the past two years. Civic officials allege that the structure was constructed illegally without permission from the relevant BMC departments, even as it was rented out for weddings, exhibitions, and large-scale events.
Located in Eksar village on New Link Road in Borivli West, the dome reportedly measured around 235 feet in length, 98 feet in width, and 30 feet in height. The complaint about its illegal construction was filed by social activist Reji Abraham.
The authorities in action during the demolition of the illegal AC dome at Opal Convention Centre, Borivli. The venue had been operating without civic permissions for over two years. Pics/Nimesh Dave
On March 1, the BMC issued a notice under the MRTP Act, stating that the convention centre had carried out unauthorised temporary construction without prior approval from the competent authority. Invoking Section 55 of the Act, the notice directed the owner or occupier to remove the illegal development within 15 days, warning that failure to comply would result in demolition without further notice.
Subsequently, on March 23, the R-North ward of the BMC passed a speaking order directing demolition of the unauthorised dome within seven days. Speaking to mid-day, R-North Ward Officer Nainish Vengurlekar said, “We had earlier issued a notice to remove the illegal structure. On Monday morning, we demolished the entire unauthorised dome. It was being used for weddings, parties, Navratri, and other events without the required permissions.”
Whistleblower Reji Abraham, who first flagged the issue, told mid-day, “I filed a complaint about 2.5 years ago regarding the illegal construction of the AC dome. The organisers were illegally generating revenue by hosting Borivli’s biggest Navratri celebration and renting it out for private events. I thank Assistant Municipal Commissioner Nainish Vengurlekar and Deputy Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Kurhade for taking action and demolishing the illegal structure.” Calls and messages from mid-day to Opal Convention Centre for a comment did not result in a response.
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