Choreography maestro Shiamak Davar had received a notice from the BMC against illegal construction of his dance studio below the 80-year-old Mahalaxmi bridge in July 2016. Finally acting on its order, the civic body demolished Davar’s studio comprising three galas — warehouses leased by BMC for storage purposes — was among 11 others, where unauthorised additions and constructions were demolished last week.
The municipal body had leased out all 36 galas below the bridge decades ago, under its Vacant Land Tenements (VLT) policy for storage and godown purpose. However, illegal additions and alterations were not covered under the policy as it could risk the structure and stability of the bridge.
The BMC has taken action against two of Davar's galas, Gala No. 10 and 11. They could not carry out demolition work at gala No. 5 though, due to a stay order from the court.
Confirming the development, a senior civic official from G-South Ward, Worli told that illegal additions and alterations like wooden partitions, cabins, brick walls at Davar's dance studio have been razed.