Mumbai: BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar has demanded the immediate demolition of the allegedly illegally constructed ‘aspirational’ toilet opposite Lion Gate in Colaba. He has also sought the immediate suspension of the municipal officials who approved the project and recovery of the project cost from them.In a letter to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar and BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, Narwekar said the BMC recently submitted an inquiry report on the matter to the Urban Development Department, which has also been tabled in the state legislature.He stated that the civic body originally proposed a footpath measuring 0.9 to 1.5 metres in width for pedestrians at the site. By permitting the construction of the toilet, the BMC admitted to violating its ‘Pedestrian First’ policy, he said, adding that the structure amounted to a serious encroachment on space meant for pedestrians.Narwekar demanded that the ‘aspirational’ toilet be demolished immediately and the footpath restored to its original condition. He further alleged that around Rs 1.65 crore was spent on the project and demanded that the amount be recovered from the salaries and assets of the officials found guilty.
