MHADA claims only Cafe Mondegar and Metro Shoes given permission to commence operations, but even hawkers and smaller stalls are up and running with the help of inverters
Though a structural audit has declared B and C wings of Colaba’s Metro House unsafe, shops on the ground floor of the structure are back in business.
Hawkers are back in business outside Cafe Mondegar. It has been learnt that the cafe is one of two major establishments that have received an NOC from MHADA to commence operations. Pic/Bipin Kokate
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It has been learnt that though MHADA is yet to issue an NOC, shopkeepers claim they have received a verbal go-ahead for the commencement of business on the ground floor. With the power supply yet to be restored fully, shopkeepers are using inverters. While the iconic Café Mondegar has commenced operations, another biggie, Metro Shoes, will start operations soon.
Though the interim structural audit report states that the building was stable enough and did not need to be razed, it clearly mentions that B and C wings require extensive repairs before they are reoccupied. Even the upper floors of the A wing require minor repairs. A detailed audit report is awaited.
While the interim report states that A wing’s ground floor is safe, another empanelled architect ruled out the use of C wing’s ground floor.
When mid-day visited the spot, a few shops located on the ground floor of all the wings were operational. Even the hawkers have reclaimed their spots on the footpath.
No power
Speaking to mid-day, Raj Kalapi, of Kalapi stores, said, “We are facing a lot of problems. There is no electricity and the dirty water from the floor above seeps into the shop, emitting a foul smell. We have opened the shop so that it dries out. We are not doing full-fledged business again.” Like Kalapi, several shopkeepers are awaiting the NOC from MHADA.
His son Wesley said that the MHADA and BMC officials are kept in the know about a few shopkeepers opening their shops. “But if they object, we will shut shop. We are co-operating with the authorities.”
Another owner, who was sitting in his dimly lit shop, said, “The BEST won’t give us electricity unless MHADA orders it. And MHADA is awaiting the final audit report. We are suffering tremendous losses. Business is bleak and we are in dire straits.”
Shopkeepers claiming that the more influential tenants used their contacts to restore power supply to their respective establishments.
Official speak
Assistant Municipal Commissioner (A-ward) Kiran Dighavkar said, “As per the interim report, permission was given to Café Mondegar to start operations. MHADA will undertake structural repairs now. Our role is limited.”
MHADA executive engineer Dilip Garje said, “Based on the interim report, only Café Mondegar was issued permission to reopen. Today [Thursday], we gave permission to Metro Shoes to operate from the ground floor, while McDonald’s will require a lot of repairs. None of the other shop owners have approached us. Though their shops are comparatively safer, they need to formally apply for an NOC.”
The incident
A fire broke out in Metro House on June 2, which shut down the operations of all commercial establishments in the building. The fire had originated on the ground floor of B wing and spread rapidly to the upper floors of the g+3 structure. It took the fire brigade 11 ‘lines’ (number of water hoses in operation) to douse the fire. Two persons were rescued from the terrace in the incident.
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