Mumbai: Already facing a notice for paying road occupation charges of Rs 2.13 crore, the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel will now have to shell out Rs 4.78 crore to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for illegally occupying footpaths on its adjacent roads in Colaba.
In a strongly-worded letter written to the hotel management, the BMC has asked the five-star hotel to deposit the charges immediately for unauthorised use of footpaths since the year 2009. It has also directed the hotel to remove all obstructions from the footpaths for pedestrian movement within 15 days or face dire consequences.
The notice was served on June 18. Two months ago, the civic body had slapped charges of Rs 2.13 crore on the Taj Hotel for putting up barricades, planters and vehicle parking on the roads.
The fresh notice issued by the BMC said that the hotel had constructed two walls across the footpath adjoining to the hotel building, thereby obstructing free movement of pedestrians.
According to officials, civic chief Ajoy Mehta has told the hotel that footpath cannot be blocked by anybody whatsoever be the reason and in case of security threats, they must take necessary measures in consultation with police authorities without causing inconvenience to the pedestrians.
The civic body has received numerous complaints about the hotel encroaching upon pavements and also putting up barricades and planters on roads obstructing traffic. During inspection, the civic officials found that the hotel had occupied 869 sq mt area by placing barricades and planters on road. An area of 517 sq mt on road has also been occupied to provide parking for hotel guests.
Following the 26/11-terror attack, the Mumbai police had asked several hotels, including the Taj, to install adequate security measures around their premises.
Social activist Lalit Jain said: “The hotel has been occupying foothpaths for more than six years, inconveniencing pedestrians. The BMC should take strict action against them for not following rules.”
“In 2009, based on the directives from police authorities, temporary security planters have been placed to protect and ensure health and safety of the guests, employees and public at large. We will respond to BMC’s letter to clarify the issue,” said a Taj spokesperson.
