MUMBAI: Portions of South Mumbai’s HR College in Churchgate were demolished by the BMC’s A ward on Saturday after the civic body concluded that the college management failed to produce valid permissions or approved building plans for the structures.The action followed a notice issued under Section 351 of the MMC Act on July 31, 2024. In its reply submitted on August 6, 2024, the college authorities, according to the BMC, did not establish the legality of the constructions as no approved plans or permissions from the competent MCGM authority, the Executive Engineer (Building Proposals), city, were furnished.Civic officials said a speaking order was passed in August 2024, after which the college applied twice to regularise the unauthorised portions. Both applications were rejected.The speaking order dated August 26, 2024, issued by the designated officer of A ward and accessed by TOI, declared several structures on the college premises illegal and liable for demolition and prosecution under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act.The order lists a permanent shed at the terrace level measuring around 11.73 metres by 19.34 metres, constructed using asbestos sheets and MS pipes; rooms built on mid-landing areas from the ground floor to the fifth floor using brick masonry; and two mezzanine floors installed with MS channels and ladders — one inside the library on the first floor and another below the registrar’s room on the ground floor — as unauthorised constructions.A fresh notice was served on the college about a week ago, following which demolition action was carried out.M Assistant Municipal Commissioner of A ward Jaydip More said the civic body had given the college adequate time considering it was an educational institution. “As it was an educational institute sufficient time was given to the authorities to first regularise it and also demolish the illegal portions themselves. When they didn’t act we moved to take action on Feb 14,” said More, adding that the illegal portions included extra rooms near staircase landings from the ground to the fifth floor, a mezzanine floor in the library and terrace sheds.HR College authorities said they were shocked to find BMC officials at the campus at 12.30 pm on Saturday while the HSC examinations were underway. Calling the action a “deliberate attack” on the college, an official said, “We know that these structures are 30/35 years old. As we don’t have a ground, the college has covered the terrace so that students can carry out their activities. We also have some rooms in the mid landing.”The official added, “But, we were in the process of regularising all of this. We were not even given a 48 hour notice before the demolition.” Referring to the BMC’s August 2024 notice, the college said it had submitted the required documents except the approved plan and CFO survey. “When we asked the BMC for the approved plans, as we don’t have them, we were told that even the BMC did not have them,” the source said.
