MMRDA plays santa for Sofitel though Rs 31.82 crores dues to be recovered

The MMRDA had refused the permission to start the operation of Sofitel Hotel, owned by Shree Naman Hotels Pvt Ltd due to the outstanding dues payable by them on account of additional premium payable due to delayed execution of the project. After the Hotel owners promised to make the payment in installments the MMRDA gave it's permission to start the hotel. But going back on its promises Shree Naman Hotels Pvt ltd did not make the payments for the future EMI's thereby an outstanding of Rs 31.82 crores is pending in default as per the information provided by MMRDA to RTI Activist Anil Galgali. The MMRDA which has got confused with the remark on the file by the Ex CM Prithviraj Chavan continues to remain soft on Shree Naman Hotels Pvt ltd.

RTI Activist Anil Galgali had sought information from the MMRDA about the the project of Shree Naman Hotels Pvt ltd (Sofitel Hotel). As per the information and documents provided by the MMRDA to Galgali, it can be understood that as on date Rs 31 crores 82 lakhs 31 thousand 975 is outstanding. The MMRDA had given on lease the plot now C-57 and C-58 in the G Block of the BKC to Shree Naman Hotels Pvt ltd for Rs 409.20 crores. Since the Hotel project could not be completed within the stipulated period of 4 years, Shree Naman Hotels Pvt ltd were levied a penalty of Rs 20.46 crores and Rs 1 crore 6 lakhs 50 thousand 411 taking the total to Rs 21 crores 52 lakhs 50 thousand 411 as additional premium for 2 plots. On 11th October 2011 at the time of issuing the Partly OC had restricted the opening for non payment of the additional premium. But on 15th February 2012 the Mr Sampatkumar, Chief of the MMRDA's City and Regional Planning department modified it's MMRDA order and granted 5 instalments to make the payment and granted the permission to start operations. In the ensued 56 months, Shree Naman Hotels Pvt ltd has made payment for only 2 instalments totaling Rs 8 crores 76 lakhs 28 thousand 100, but as on date, MMRDA has to receive a total of Rs 31 crores 82 lakhs 31 thousand 975 including interest. The Hotel continues to do brisk business.

Classified as Mr Clean by the Cong party, the then CM Prithviraj Chavan passed an order despite the code of conduct being in force on 23rd September 2014 to the MMRDA. On the application of Shree Naman Hotels Pvt Ltd seeking waiver of the additional premium levied on them, and just 3 days before demitting Office put a remark as ' Examine and do the needful' and sent the application to the MMRDA, who did not waive the additional premium.

The OC issued by the MMRDA contains some absurd conditions, which is very surprising. It has sought laid condition like Free availability of 2 Suites for 50 Nights, Free arrangements of its Conference Hall on 20 occasion for 20 people along with its fixtures. Plus an additional discount of 20% on its bills for food and beverage including taxes.

Anil Galgali has demanded that the OC issued to the Sofitel Hotel be immediately revoked if the company fails to make the payment of outstanding of additional premium and if necessary seal premises. In a letter addressed to CM Devendra Fadnavis, Galgali has demanded that the vide discretionary power given to the officer's of MMRDA should be reviewed immediately.