Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Administration) H S Patel told Express Newsline that the VMC has decided to reconstruct over 60-year-old urinal after some time on the advice of the Police.

Additional Commissioner of Police M K Tandon, Deputy Commissioner of Police P K Valera, and other officers had to reach the spot to defuse the tense situation.

Sources said the VMC staff which went under police protection was prevented from reconstructing the urinal. Top police officers had to reach the site when the situation started becoming tense. Sources further said the mob comprising over a hundred people rushed at several VMC officers, including executive engineer V N Tailor.

Earlier in the day while one group continually pressurised the VMC staff not to construct the urinal members of another community met the Standing Committee chairman demanding that the urinal remain in its place.

About two months ago the VMC decided to reconstruct the urinal as it had developed a vertical crack, making the structure risky. The work could not be completed then due to protests. It was taken up once again on Thursday. Sources said the police had then stated that it would be able to provide protection only after the Board examination.

FSI relaxations: The VMC has promised certain relaxations in the Floor Space Index (FSI) to nearly 15 residents of the Dabhoi Road, who were asked to give up the part of their shops and residences that fell within the road margin. The notices were served earlier this week. The assurance was given after the residents brought a morcha to the VMC premises on Thursday.

Deputy Municipal Commisioner H S Patel told Express Newsline that they had promised relaxations by way of a higher compound wall than the existing ones. He further said if required they might construct another floor. Patel specified that the rules have been relaxed because they have parted with land. He said the residents would have to leave necessary space for the road margin as per norms.