BMC demolishes MLA Lodha's kabutarkhana at Chowpatty

Upping its ante against the BJP, the Shiv Sena urged the BMC to demolish a 'kabutarkhana' (feeding place for pigeons) at Girgaum Chowpatty on Wednesday.

The Shiv Sena claimed that the structure, which was being constructed by local BJP MLA Mangalprabhat Lodha, was illegal.

"That was an illegal construction and we complained to the BMC leading to its demolition," said a local Shiv Sena vibhag pramukh Pandurang Sakpal. He added that a new, bigger kabutarkhana was being constructed at Chowpatty Bandstand since Wednesday morning in place of the one that was in existence.

"When it comes to Chowpatty, there is a high-power committee, CRZ rules, and no construction can be done there in an arbitrary manner," said Sakpal, adding that Rajya Sabha MP Anil Desai, Lok Sabha MP from South Mumbai Arvind Sawant, MLA Sunil Shinde and former BEST committee Arun Dudhwadkar were present during the demolition on Wednesday evening.

When contacted, Lodha said he did not want to comment on this "sensitive issue" and added that he was unaware of the action by the BMC.

The BMC assistant commissioner Vishwas Mote confirmed that the BMC had demolished the kabutarkhana and added that the issue had been brought to their notice by locals, and that the action had not been taken under the influence of any political party.

POLITICISING ISSUES

• This year’s BMC elections saw the BJP wrest seats from the Shiv Sena in traditional Maharashtrian-dominated areas which have seen a steady build up of non-Maharashtrians.