Mumbai Updates: BMC Tears Down Unauthorized Buildings at 'Living Liquidz' within Kamala Mills Complex; Licenses Canceled due to Safety Concerns and FSI Breaches
In a decisive move to ensure compliance with building proposals and fire safety norms, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken stringent actions against unauthorized commercial establishments in Mumbai's Kamala Mills compound.
The most recent action was directed at Living Liquidz, a popular restaurant and bar, whose licenses were revoked due to multiple violations. The premises, originally approved for a garment and tailoring shop on the ground and first floors, were illegally converted into a restaurant, bar, wine shop, and dining space without the required change of user permission.
The BMC found that the establishment had constructed beyond approved plans, erected unauthorized roofing on the terrace, made illegal internal partitions, converted space into a cold storage unit, altered door layouts, and built wooden and glass walls. These violations were in clear disregard of the Floor Space Index (FSI) norms.
As a result, both restaurant licenses of Living Liquidz were revoked by the BMC. On August 5, 2025, the BMC carried out demolition of the illegal structures at the premises.
This action is part of a wider enforcement drive by the BMC against illegal eateries, pubs, and bars at Kamala Mills following numerous complaints of unauthorized constructions and encroachments. The demolition and license cancellations were carried out under the direction of Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr. (Smt.) Ashwini Joshi.
The BMC's actions were not limited to Living Liquidz. On July 31, demolition and seizure operations were carried out at Bira Taproom, Toast Pasta Bar (Food by Devika), and BKT House. Earlier operations were also targeted at several establishments in the area.
The BMC issued a stop-work notice to unspecified entities on Monday. The demolition action was carried out by the BMC's Health, Building & Factory, Building Proposal departments, and the State Excise Department.
In summary, the BMC's recent crackdown in Lower Parel's Kamala Mills Compound has seen the revocation of the licenses and demolition of illegal structures of several commercial establishments due to violations of building proposals and fire safety norms.
- Despite the ongoing enforcement drive against illegal establishments in Mumbai's Kamala Mills, some eateries continue to disregard health and safety regulations, as shown by the BMC's recent actions against Bira Taproom, Toast Pasta Bar, and BKT House.
- The financial implications of non-compliance with building proposals and fire safety norms are significant, as evidenced by the loss of investments in the restaurant and bar sector, such as Living Liquidz.
- Apart from the crackdown on commercial establishments, the BMC's actions could potentially impact the real-estate market in Lower Parel, Mumbai, as investors may now prioritize properties with valid building permits and adherence to safety norms.
