MUMBAI, Sept. 9 -- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has refuted claims by former BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar that construction of an aspirational toilet near Lion Gate in south Mumbai has resumed in violation of a stay order issued by the Maharashtra government during the recent monsoon session. Narwekar had alleged that construction work at the site continued despite the clear directive issued by the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker on July 17, 2025, which ordered a halt to work on aspirational toilets pending an inquiry. The legislators stated that the toilets, which will cost Rs.1.73 crore each, were being constructed on footpaths against the directives of the Supreme Court, and were also in the buffer zone of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Aspirational toilets, part of the central government's Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, are modern public restrooms designed to improve hygiene and safety in high-footfall locations such as tourist areas and markets. However, the BMC clarified that no toilet construction is currently underway at the site. Ashwini Joshi, additional municipal commissioner (city), told HT, "The area near Lion Gate was excavated by the BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) undertaking to carry out urgent repairs to faulty electric cables that pass adjacent to the proposed toilet site. This work has been ongoing for the past 2-3 days and is unrelated to the aspirational toilet project." Joshi added that while the RCC base of the aspirational toilet had been completed earlier, all further work was halted in compliance with the state government's directive. Narwekar, however, remains unconvinced and has formally written to BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, urging strict action against officials allegedly violating the stay order. "Minister Uday Samant had assured that work on 14 aspirational toilets in south Mumbai would be suspended pending inquiry, but activities persist at Lion Gate," Narwekar said....