"We are seeking the state's permission for entertainment zones to be planned in locations that are commercial areas with minimal residents around," said MTDC MD Paraag Jaiin Nainutiia.
Those campaigning for extended nightlife in Mumbai have now received a boost from the state tourism department, which expressed keenness in opening special zones in the city for round the clock entertainment.The Maharashtra Tourism Department Corporation (MTDC) has taken up the proposal with the state government to use Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai Harbour region and Mahalaxmi as nightlife-friendly zones.
"We are seeking the state's permission for entertainment zones to be planned in locations that are commercial areas with minimal residents around," said MTDC MD Paraag Jaiin Nainutiia.
The development comes in the wake of reports about the Maharashtra government shelving the nightlife plan mooted by Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray, as the Home Secretary felt it would place additional burden on the already-thin police machinery.
Thackeray had got support from city police chief Rakesh Maria, who said the police force is equipped to handle any law and order situation. While the young leader had made clear that 24x7 bars and pubs should be allowed only in few locations, BJP leaders, including city unit president Ashish Shelar, opposed it citing potential nuisance to other sections of society.
However, citizen groups claim nightlife makes a place safer. "Shops in Delhi shut at around 8pm. By 10pm, the streets are completely deserted. It is due to this that (more) people are attacked, or women harassed," lyricist Javed Akhtar had stated earlier.According to an estimate by the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR), there are about 12,000 restaurants and 2,000 pubs and bars in Mumbai.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}