Activist seeks probe into non-veg food, liquor complaints at Warkari Bhavan in CBD Belapur

A new controversy has arisen over the use of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's Warkari Bhavan in the Swami Vivekanand Nagar area of CBD Belapur. Social activist Vinay More, general secretary of Sarthi Suraksha Seva Sanstha, has sent a representation directly to the Chief Minister. It demands that either the name of the building be reconsidered or strict rules be put in place for the use of the hall.

According to the representation, there are complaints that non-vegetarian meals are served at events in the hall. It also says there is talk of liquor being consumed at an event held on the 30th. More wants an impartial inquiry into both matters.

There is a Lord Shankar temple behind the Warkari Bhavan in Swami Vivekanand Nagar, CBD. The representation says the sanctity of the temple, the cleanliness of the area and the religious sentiments of people must therefore be kept in mind at events in the hall.

More says the Warkari sampradaya is associated with devotion, vegetarianism, restraint and a sattvik way of life. In that light, complaints of non-vegetarian meals at a hall named "Warkari Bhavan" could create a misunderstanding about the name of the Warkari sampradaya. He has therefore suggested that the hall be named after Bharat Ratna Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, or given another name reflecting religious harmony, social unity and national integration. If the name Warkari Bhavan is to be retained, he says, rules of use and clear restrictions in keeping with it should be imposed.

The hall was booked on the 30th. The representation claims that liquor was served along with non-vegetarian food at that event, and that this is being talked about in the CBD area. To test the truth of the talk, it asks the municipal corporation to examine the hall's booking register, details of the organisers, the conditions of permission and the arrangements for the event. It also asks that necessary information be obtained from the police department and the State Excise Department to establish officially whether liquor was consumed. If anything is found to be against the rules, it demands legal action against the organisers concerned.

More has raised another issue. He says that even after events at the hall end, the belongings of tent contractors and caterers remain lying in the area. This encroaches on public space and affects the cleanliness and appearance of the area.

The representation alleges that no concrete action has been taken despite repeated complaints in the matter. It therefore also seeks an inquiry into the working of the municipal officials and employees concerned, and asks that it be checked whether the organiser is being given concessions against the rules.