Procedural lapses, but no misconduct, says BMC report on film studios

Mumbai: The inquiry report on alleged unauthorised film studios in Madh, Marve, Erangal, Batti and Malad prepared by deputy municipal commissioner Harshad Kale, which was approved by municipal chief Iqbal Singh Chahal in February, has concluded that there was no grave misconduct by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation officials in issuing the permissions. Mumbai, India - August 26, 2022: Maharashtra BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, MLA Atul Bhatkalkar, MP Gopal Shetty and MLA Yogesh Sagar visit film studio of Balaji Tirupati Cinemas in connection to its construction in the Madh-Marve area allegedly by violating Coastal Regulation Zone norms, at Malad, in Mumbai, India, on Friday, August 26, 2022. Chahal had directed the chief inquiry officer to decide on the quantum of punishment for six B&F officials for not properly verifying the NOC of the land owner as it was deceptive and obscure, for not insisting on submission of fire compliance remarks, for not insisting on structural stability report, post completion of the shed and for not keeping the structure under watch where other ancillary structures were built. At Chahal’s behest, a committee has been formed comprising Sanjog Kabare, DMC, chief fire officer Sanjay Manjrekar, development plan department officials and Shashi Bala, BMC business development officer, to modify comprehensive film shooting guidelines and execute them.