Mumbai: The talk of BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) allowing rooftop restaurants in ‘commercial premises’ has gained momentum as the draft is set to be tabled on Friday. This will boost tourism and also help to generate employment.
The political circus has begun as the Samajwadi party that has proposed the bill wants it to be passed along with Shiv Sena, which is supported by their youth party president, Aditya Thackeray. The Nationalist Congress Party and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena also want rooftop restaurants.
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“This move is good for Mumbai with a beautiful sea shore. The youth are asking for it and it will definitely boost tourism. There are some vested interests who are holding back this proposal,” said Rais Sheikh, Group Leader of Samajwadi Party. The Bharatiya Janta Party is in a quandary, as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is interested, but his party members have demanded regularisation. The policy is being handled by Urban Development department which comes directly under Fadnavis. “CM will sanction this policy once our demands for regularisation are incorporated. If it is tabled as it is we will not support it,” said Ravi Raja, Leader of Opposition in the BMC.
Raja said these rooftop restaurants should be shifted to Bandra-Kurla-Complex, which is a full commerical zone. “Nothing should disturb the residents in these neighbourhoods. Shift it to BKC,” said Raja.
