Chembur resident claims illegal club in Mysore, CHS, demands BMC action against unauthorized structure

Mumbai: A resident of the upscale Mysore Cooperative Housing Society in Chembur has written to Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Joshi, highlighting the failure of the BMC M-West ward to take action against the alleged unauthorized club in the colony.

Resident Arun Sehri, who is also a former member of the management committee, claimed that the 2,000-sq.-ft. Despite filing an RTI and repeated written requests, the society officials and the BMC ward office have not provided him with any document to prove that the clubhouse has permission, he told FPJ.

“In 2023, leaders erected an entirely new structure known as the MCHS Clubhouse for community meetings and events. In June 2024, in an RTI reply, the BMC’s building proposals department admitted that the club’s approval had not been granted. However, no action has been taken regarding the illegally constructed club premises,” Sehri said.

“Mysore CHS built a temporary clubhouse about 20 years ago. However, in the name of renovation, which cost more than 20 lakh rupees, in 2023, the officials erected a completely new building. Officials also requested to streamline the structure. If BMC has indeed granted permission, why has the designated M-West divisional officer not responded to my letters? Sehri asked.

Mysore CHS chairman Gurudas Pai has denied all allegations made by Arun Sekri. “Mr. Sehri’s allegations are baseless. He was a member of the management committee but is now just a tenant who is leaving soon. The clubhouse was built 20 years ago and was renovated in 2023. We have all the necessary clearances from the BMC,” Pai told FPJ.

Sekri wrote to Joshi on January 12, seeking her urgent intervention in the matter. The letter was sent after Joshi’s review meeting at the BMC headquarters to assess the progress of action against illegal construction in the city. In his meeting on January 10, the additional municipal commissioner directed civic officials to coordinate and expedite the demolition of the encroachments, setting a deadline of March-end.

On 12 September 2024, FPJ reported that residents of the upscale Mysore Colony of 91 bungalows, situated on 21 acres in east Chembur, alleged that the clubhouse in the colony was built on land reserved under the Development Plan 2034. However, the BMC is yet to act.

Commenting on the issue, M-West District Assistant Municipal Commissioner Vishwas Mote said that he has asked the authorized officer to conduct an investigation and follow due process of law. Officer in Charge (M-West) Nitin Kamble could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts.

Meanwhile, Mysore CHS chairman Gurudas Pai has denied all allegations made by Arun Sekri. “Mr. Sehri’s allegations are baseless. He was a member of the management committee but is now just a tenant who is leaving soon. The clubhouse was built 20 years ago and was renovated in 2023. We have all the necessary clearances from the BMC,” Pai told FPJ.