Lights go out in Campa Cola as BMC cuts power supply to illegal flats

The BMC on Tuesday cut the power supply to all the illegal flats in Worli's Campa Cola compound.

The civic body began terminating electricity, gas and water supply to 90 flats on Monday, following a Supreme Court (SC) order in this regard. The SC had ordered demolition of illegal flats in seven buildings across the compound due to FSI violations. As part of the demolition drive, the civic body has undertaken the drive to disconnect utility services to the flats.

As on Tuesday, the BMC had cut electricity supply to 90 flats. Out of the total 48 flats, which have piped gas connections, supply to 47 flats was cut. Water connections to 22 flats (out of the total 25 homes) were terminated.

"We are likely to disconnect the remaining utility services in next two days. Terminating gas and water supply is a risky job. Disconnecting water supply is tricky here as connections are found to be passing through window grills making it difficult," Anand Waghralkar, deputy municipal commissioner, said.

The BMC had on Monday deployed 12 teams, 4 each from 4 each from Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) and civic water works department while beginning the drive. On Tuesday, it deployed more personnel from MGL to speed up work.

Meanwhile, some of the residents said they are not going to give up their flats even as the BMC cut utility services.

"We will stay here even though the BMC has cut utility services to our homes. We will arrange for food and water. But we are not going to give up our flats as out battle continues," a resident of Patel apartments, said wishing anonymity.

Meanwhile, the BMC reiterated the demolition of the flats concerned will be undertaken once the higher municipal authorities order the same. "Our priority is to complete phase one action. Next phase will begin only after order in this regard is in place," the official said.