Politics
Illegal Film Studios In Mumbai Bulldozed After NGT Order; BJP Takes Aim At MVA, Demands Probe
Swarajya Staff
Apr 07, 2023, 04:51 PM | Updated 04:51 PM IST
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Dozens of illegally built film studios in Mumbai's Malad area were demolished using bulldozers.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed the studios were constructed under the protection of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.
The action was initiated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), following an order from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The BJP's Kirit Somaiya and his supporters were spotted walking to the alleged illegal studio location with a spade.
The issue has been raised by Somaiya for some time as he claims the studios were constructed without permission and with fraudulent documents, violating the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA).
The NGT's Western zone bench dismissed the plea of studio operators and lifted the stay on the demolition of five studios in Madh Island, thereby prohibiting them from continuing operations.
According to Somaiya, BMC Commissioner Iqbal Chahal was aware of the illegal scam, but did not take action. So, they approached the court, which questioned BMC about the issue and asked the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to order a probe.
Permitted to construct a temporary structure, these five studios had instead erected a large one using significant amounts of steel and concrete material.
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