Mumbai: A renowned builder of Mumbai, who has a plush township in Wadala, is carrying out beautification underneath the monorail span and on its pillars. Interestingly, the work has been undertaken without the knowledge of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the governing authority, said sources. The sources revealed the MMRDA would conduct an inquiry to ascertain if any official has given the permission, which is unlikely, and only after that it would initiate action against the builder for carrying out illegal work on its property.
The monorail guideway beams carry 750 volts all the time. As a result, in March, the MMRDA had issued a warning for the public not to come close or to bring any metallic object in contact with this beam. This warning was issued immediately after the entire 19.54 kms stretch was made operational. Considering the tracks carry high voltage power, such beautification can be undertaken only after experts’ consultation, informed the sources. Subsequently, the inquiry will also ascertain if the builder had sought expert advice before beautification.
According to the photographs accessed by the Free Press Journal, the builder has installed metallic sheets on the pillars for green plantation. Now, the question arises if the metallic sheets in any case would disturb the stability of the monorail pillars, which will be checked during the investigation, said the source. When contacted the MMRDA spokesperson refused his comments.
