Mira-Bhayandar: Despite repeated crackdowns and demolitions by the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC), several illegal bars and lodges in the city have resurfaced, raising serious concerns over administrative inefficiency and the nexus between bureaucrats and politicians.

One glaring example is the re-emergence of the infamous Kem Cho located on the Mumbai Ahmedabad national highway near Kashimira. Last year, following public outrage over the Pune Porsche accident and viral videos exposing rampant substance abuse, the then-Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had issued strict directives to all municipal and police commissioners to take decisive action against unauthorized bars and those operating beyond permitted hours.

In response, the MBMC initiated a demolition drive in May 2024. Over four days, the corporation razed more than a dozen unauthorized constructions, including the complete demolition of Kem Cho bar. The campaign received widespread praise, with banners celebrating Shinde as ‘Bulldozer Baba’ dotting the city, championed by local political leaders.

However, the demolished bars and lodges have been rebuilt and are operating once again, pointing to deep-rooted corruption within the system.

Asserting that “most of the 150 plus bars and lodges in Mira-Bhayandar either lack proper permissions or have carried out illegal expansions,” social activist Pramod Dethe said, “The fact that these bars have managed to secure licences again raises serious concerns about the functioning of the Thane excise department.”

“Citizens are demanding not just symbolic demolitions, but concrete and unbiased measures against illegal constructions,” Dethe said.

The appointment of IAS officer Radha Binod Sharma as the municipal commissioner had evoked hopes for transparent and effective governance. However, allegations of collusion between corrupt civic officials and the bar-lodge mafia—reportedly with backing from influential political figures—have dampened public confidence.

“Barely a year after demolition, these bars are back in business. How is this even possible? Who is giving them protection?” activist Veerbhadra Konapure said.

Adding to the public outcry, Zeeshan Jafri, another civic observer, said, “The Anti-Encroachment Department carries out demolitions, but within months, the same structures reappear. This clearly reflects a failure in long-term enforcement. The administration must take strict action against repeat offenders.”

In its defence, the anti-encroachment department stated, “The corporation does not protect any new unauthorized constructions. In certain cases, legal proceedings have delayed immediate action.”