Residents oppose power substation

[karira]

Residents of Jai Vijay Society in Vile Parle (E) have challenged the BMC’s permission to relocate a power sub-station next to their building compound. The residents, who have filed a petition in the Bombay High Court, have questioned the permissions “which put lives of citizens at risk”. The case is likely to be heard on January 14.

The relocation of the sub-station is part of the redevelopment plan of Haripad Society, which stands on a plot adjoining Jai Vijay Society. The sub-station, currently on Haripad’s plot, has independent access and prescribes to the necessary regulations regarding compulsory open space around such a high-risk structure.

In June 2006, Haripad sought a no-objection certificate for its redevelopment from Jai Vijay but did not disclose details regarding the relocation of the sub-station.

Even the sanctioned redevelopment plan of Haripad that Jai Vijay society obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act did not show an electric sub-station on the plot. Finally, when Jai Vijay residents obtained the details from the BMC, they were shocked to learn that the wall of the new sub-station would be the same as their building’s compound wall.
Dr YT Oke, a resident of Jai Vijay and an anti-noise pollution activist, said the new location of the sub-station does not provide independent access to the structure, as is mandatory. This will put the lives of residents at risk in case of a fire, he said.

The residents are baffled at how Reliance Energy Ltd and the BMC have allowed the developer to relocate the sub-station in such a manner.
The residents have also complained to the BMC about two 40-year-old Ashoka trees in their compound felled by Shraddha Developers, which is redeveloping Haripad.


DNA - Mumbai - Residents oppose power substation - Daily News & Analysis