Acceding to citizens and local activists from Juhu who objected to a slab being placed over the Irla nullah, municipal commissioner  Sitaram Kunte, on Thursday, ordered the developer to halt work.  

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According to the locals, the storm water drains (SWD) department had granted permission to a developer to place a slab over the Irla nullah at Juhu-Vile Parle to construct a proposed SRA building along the nullah.

“We met the civic chief on Thursday and put forth our objections. After listening to all the parties, including the developer, ward officials and citizens, Kunte asked the developer to stop the work. Only cleaning can be done till May 15. Then all work should be stopped completely,” said Ashoke Pandit, convenor of Save Open Spaces, Juhu.

Pandit added that neither the developer nor the officials clarified the matter.

“When Kunte asked them why the builder wanted to cover the nullah, the developer said because the area was stinking.  Many parts like the railway colony, railway tracks, SV Road and Juhu will be flooded if the nullah is covered with a slab. It will also be difficult for civic officials to clean the nullah,” said Pandit.

Pandit said that the suspended general secretary of the Congress, Ajit Sawant, was present on behalf of the developer.

“These are sophisticated people with vested interests, blackmailing the developer. They just want to halt this project,” said Sawant, adding that he had been an employee of Zodiac Developers since 1992.

Architect PK Das, who was also present for the meeting, said that the authorities were passing the buck. “It is very shocking to learn that the proposal approved by the BMC is being implemented by a developer. The nullah is not a part of the SRA project, since it does not come under the SRA’s jurisdiction.”Local corporator from BJP Dilip Patel said, “We will ensure that the area does not get flooded this year.”