Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has razed unauthorised restaurant constructions operated by the Living Liquidz brand in the Kamala Mills complex, Lower Parel. The civic authority also cancelled both licences, citing public safety risks and regulatory breaches.
Additional municipal administration commissioned a site inspection following complaints of illegal conversions and aviation encroachments in the IT‑Park section of Kamala Mills. Inspection revealed a garment shop on two floors had been retrofitted as restaurant‑bar and wine shop, and a tailoring outlet transformed into a restaurant. Among violations identified were unauthorized roofing, FSI (Floor Space Index) violations, improper cold storage installations, illegally partitioned wooden and glass walls, and structural alterations without consent. Acting on formal stop‑work notices served earlier, BMC personnel carried out demolition on July 31, targeting several establishments, including popular food venues. The enforcement drive continued on August 5–6, culminating in the removal of the illegal Living Liquidz structures and licence cancellation due to non‑compliance with fire safety norms and other municipal regulations.
BMC asserted that the establishments expanded commercial space without proper permits, jeopardising structural integrity and endangering patrons. Civic officials cited unresolved safety concerns and absence of mandatory fire certification as decisive reasons for revoking operating licences. Experts in urban governance view the action as part of a broader move towards sustainable—and safety‑centred—urban management. Such regulation ensures public spaces and entertainment zones operate within legal frameworks, preserving structural safety, controlling carbon emissions from uncontrolled expansion, and promoting equity in civic oversight. While the demolitions generated discontent among the affected business units, civic authorities insisted the stringent approach will extend to other violators in the popular Lower Parel precinct. Officials stressed that enforcement efforts would now focus on consistent implementation and accountability across licensed establishments.
Local urban planners noted that high‑density areas such as Kamala Mills, often developed within mixed commercial and industrial zones, require stricter municipal oversight. They emphasise that while vibrant hospitality ecosystems support local economies, unchecked conversions and lack of fire safeguarding pose systemic urban risks—particularly in densely populated zones. For residents and city stakeholders, the episode is a signal of renewed municipal firmness. Observers suggest this may pave the way for clearer zoning demarcations, transparent licensing procedures, and improved civic-inspectorate coordination.
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