Mumbai: BMC demolishes illegal alterations made inside NSCI Club in Worli

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday demolished the illegal extension and alterations made inside the elite National Sports Club of India (NSCI) in Worli.

NSCI is one of the posh clubs in the city which has high profile members. The plot on which the club is constructed is owned by the BMC and the civic body has given it on a lease for 999 years. However, in 2016, as well as in 2017, the BMC estate department had issued notices for breach of lease conditions and for illegal construction. Since then, the club was under the lens.

Earlier notices sent by the BMC had mentioned several violations like NSCI entering in to an agreement with an agency which is operating entertainment business. Also, illegal additions and alterations have been made inside the club without permission. The civic corporation sent the club its last notice in October 2017, but no action was taken.  A senior G-South ward official said, “On Thursday, we demolished the encroachment in compulsory open space near a ballroom constructed inside the club. The encroachment was spread in 400×20 feet area and it was used for commercial purposes.”

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In addition, BMC is also examining some other structures which will face action on Monday, added the civic official. According to another civic official, the club management had not responded to earlier notices sent by the civic body, following which action was taken. The club was also embroiled in a controversy over non-payment of property tax.

Samajwadi Party corporator Rais Shaikh had written a letter on January 23, 2018, to municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta alleging that action was not being taken against the club as several civic officials were enjoying its membership.

Shaikh said, “The club had not paid property taxes and they are using the area designated for sports activity for entertainment purposes and making money by violating the lease agreement. Also, several civic officials are honorary members of this club due to which action been delayed by BMC.” According to sources, at least four Deputy Municipal Commissioners, two ward officers and one fire official are members of the club.