Residents of Indiabulls Sky harassed by neighbouring slum dwellers

Residents of Lower Parel's 46-story Indiabulls Sky are criticising the increasing encroachments in their neighbourhood. They claim that squatters have almost completely surrounded the high-rise. The disputed roadway is the same one where the BMC had put into effect its "green mile" initiative, a scheme to create an ideal street for the civic ward and establish a standard for street design. Residents claim however, that despite multiple complaints to the BMC they have not received a meaningful response. According to the locals, the encroachers engage in a variety of activities including cooking food, washing clothing and drying them on the street railings.

Society members claim the encroachment on the walkways and area around their building has only been escalating. The structure is now fully surrounded by squatters on three sides: Jagannath Bhatankar Marg, Senapati Bapat Marg and Fitwala Road. Apparently, civic officials did intervene and take action, however the squatters were quick to return once things cooled down. The members fear for their health and safety due to some of the activities being undertaken by the encroachers such as street cooking. They also lament that the entry to their building has started to appear pitiful as a result of the encroachments.

The locals have also recently addressed a letter of complaint to the BMC, urging them to take stricter action. They believe that if this (encroachments) is allowed to continue, such encroachments will only expand and the entire work and the money put behind the beautifying of the Senapati Bapat Marg – Mumbai Mile Project will go in vain. There are four Indiabulls buildings on the property, with Indiabulls Sky being the only one that is residential. The other three are all commercial buildings.

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Residents of Indiabulls Sky harassed by neighbouring slum dwellers

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