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Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi’s illegal seaside bungalows in Raigad to be razed
Mumbai, Aug 21 (IANS) At least 160 illegal bungalows belonging to top celebs, including absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi on Raigad sea coasts, will be demolished for alleged violations of norms, Maharashtra Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam said on Tuesday.
He issued the directions after chairing a review meeting of the illegal constructions dotting various picturesque beaches in Raigad district.
“There are around 151 illegal bungalows on or near the beaches in the Murud stretch and another 121 in Alibaug, violating Coastal Regulation Zone rules, not adhering to sanctioned plans and other regulations,” Kadam said.
Of these, 111 bungalows, 61 in Alibaug and 50 in Murud — both prime beach destinations — belong to locals or fisherfolk, which would not be disturbed for the present, he added.
Many of the other outsider illegal occupants have secured stay from various courts on their bungalows, but the state government plans to transfer all these cases before the National Green Tribunal.
After the police verification of documents, the government is hopeful that the NGT will expeditiously clear them within the next 2-3 months, and the defaulters also face a fine of Rs 100,000 or a five-year jail term.
Besides Modi and Choksi, some other prominent owners of these lavish bungalows include industrialists, leading businessmen, film and television personalities and others.
The Raigad collectorate has informed that Modi’s bungalow is in Kihim and Choksi’s in Awas village and will be razed for violating Coastal Regulatory Zone norms.
Since their bungalows are attached by the Enforcement Directorate after their names came up in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud in February, the collector has sought the ED’s clearance for the demolition plans.
Recently, the Bombay High Court had pulled up the government over the delays in taking action against the illegal bungalows of Modi, Choksi and others.
A popular getaway destination, Raigad has been in the spotlight in recent years for a series of illegal constructions dotting its pristine beaches, coastal forests and lush green villages, just an hour’s ride by catamaran from Gateway of India.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.