Khar Residents Rally Against Restaurant’s Reopening in Mumbai
Residents of Khar in Mumbai are up in arms against the impending reopening of a restaurant that previously operated under the name Wakai in the B wing of the Mangal Sandesh building on 17th Road. Concerned locals fear that the establishment, currently undergoing renovations, may transform into a nightclub, leading to potential disturbances in the neighborhood.
Worried about the impact of the restaurant’s reopening on their quality of life, residents from 20 surrounding buildings have taken proactive measures. They have launched a signature campaign, filed complaints with the ward office and Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, and sought the support of local MLAs to prevent the restaurant from reopening.
The residents allege that the restaurant had caused significant disruptions when it operated previously, with loud music shaking the entire building and creating disturbances late into the night. The closure of the restaurant earlier this year had brought a sense of peace to the neighborhood, and residents are determined to prevent its return in a new form that could potentially disrupt their sleep once again.
One resident, Haresh Lalwani, emphasized the importance of the right to peaceful sleep, citing Article 21 of the Constitution that guarantees citizens a fundamental right to a dignified life free from encroachments on their privacy and public nuisances. The residents claim that the restaurant’s permits were obtained through questionable means, including the conversion of a studio into a restaurant without proper authorization.
According to the residents, the restaurant also encroached on residential space by misusing a flat in the building for staff accommodations and extended its premises without proper approvals. The residents have raised concerns about security, convenience, and safety issues arising from the restaurant’s operations in a residential area.
The Khar Residents Association (KRA) has been approached by the residents of Mangal Sandesh and neighboring buildings to address the potential reopening of the restaurant. Ashok Mansukhani from Palazzo Residency highlighted the past issues related to noise, public disturbances, and lack of parking space caused by the restaurant’s operations.
Anandini Thakoor, a trustee of KRA, expressed concerns about the potential impact of the restaurant’s reopening on the residents’ well-being, emphasizing the need to maintain local harmony and address the residents’ grievances. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has assured residents that the authorities will investigate the matter and take appropriate action to address the concerns raised.
Vinayak Vispute, assistant commissioner of the H West ward, acknowledged the complaints received regarding the restaurant on 17th Road and committed to conducting an inquiry to address noise, crowd, and parking issues. While there is no specific policy restricting restaurants or bars in residential areas, the BMC will take necessary action if residents report disturbances caused by such establishments.
In conclusion, the residents of Khar are determined to prevent the reopening of the restaurant on 17th Road to safeguard their peace and well-being. Their efforts to engage with local authorities and seek support from elected representatives reflect their commitment to maintaining a harmonious living environment in their neighborhood.
