The Mysore Cooperative Housing Society in Chembur, Mumbai, is at the centre of a significant controversy as residents accuse the society’s office bearers of constructing a new clubhouse without requisite approvals from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The dispute revolves around allegations that the clubhouse was erected on a plot designated for public use under the Development Plan 2034, which the residents claim contravenes municipal regulations.
The controversy began when a group of residents,and a managing committee member, filed a formal complaint with the BMC in July. According to them, the society’s leadership dismantled a temporary structure under the pretext of renovation but, instead, built a brand-new, ground-plus-one structure between April and September of the previous year. The complainants argue that the office bearers did not secure the necessary municipal approvals, nor did they present the proposal for the clubhouse’s construction to the society’s managing committee for approval.
An RTI response from the BMC’s Building Proposal department appears to support the residents’ claims, confirming that no approvals were granted for the clubhouse. Further, the residents assert that the newly built structure is located on a land parcel reserved for a public road under the Development Plan 2034. Concerns have been raised about potential safety risks, with one resident highlighting the lack of clearances from the fire department and questioning the structural integrity of the clubhouse. Critics within the society have accused the office bearers of financial irregularities and opaque management practices.
“I ceased attending meetings after the secretary stopped presenting monthly financial statements,” said one resident, indicating a lack of trust in the current administration. “This clubhouse has been constructed on reserved land without proper authorization, posing a potential hazard to all residents.” In response to these allegations, officials from the Mysore Cooperative Housing Society have dismissed the accusations as unfounded. An official stated, “We have obtained all necessary approvals from the relevant authorities. The clubhouse is a temporary structure originally built before 1964.” Society Chairman Gurudas Pai further clarified, claiming that the land in question was no longer under Development Plan reservation and that the society had notified the BMC regarding the renovation.
The BMC, however, has yet to take definitive action on the matter, leaving the residents and office bearers in a standoff. The absence of clear communication from the municipal authorities has only fueled speculation and concerns over potential illegalities. The dispute raises broader questions about accountability and transparency in managing cooperative housing societies and the role of municipal oversight in ensuring compliance with city development plans. As the tussle continues, residents await a firm response from the BMC, which could have significant implications for the governance of Mumbai’s residential societies.
