The BJP, on the other hand, slammed the mayor's move, saying that the BMC itself can take action against the illegal hookah parlours
On Wednesday, Mayor of Mumbai Vishwanath Mahadeshwar met the Mumbai Police Commissioner Datta Padsalgikar asking for cooperation to shut down hookah parlours in Mumbai as according to him they have adverse effects on the youth's health.
The BJP, on the other hand, slammed the mayor's move, saying that the BMC itself can take action against the illegal hookah parlours.
Mahadeshwar said, "Maximum number of hookah parlours in Mumbai are illegal, while the toxic elements in the smoke also affect the smoker's health. Considering the severity of the situation, I met the police commissioner with the request that the BMC and police should work together to take actions to against these hookah parlours."
However, BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, slamming Mahadeshwar's move said, "To check whether or not hookah parlours are flouting norms is the duty of the BMC and the police come into action only when a law and order situation arises. The mayor had no need to meet the police commissioner seeking the police's cooperation when the BMC's health and building proposal departments are responsible to take actions against hookah parlours."
Somaiya added, "It is true that 90 per cent of hookah parlours in Mumbai are illegal as there is no particular licence issued for running a hookah parlour. It is basically smoking and should be done only in closed, exclusive, smoking zones and no additional drinks can be served with it. Considering this, if the BMC follows the guidelines and takes actions, most of the hookah parlours in Mumbai could be closed down."
Mumbai police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Deepak Devraj said, "We keep taking action against illegal hookah parlours and will continue to take them."
BJP SLAMS MOVE
BJP's Kirit Somaiya slammed the Mayor's move, saying that the BMC itself has the power to shut down hookah parlours if they are flouting rules. "The mayor had no need to meet the police commissioner seeking the police's cooperation when the BMC's health and building proposal departments are responsible to take actions against hookah parlours," Somaiya said.
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