Denying that the state government is pressuring the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to shield the restaurant, Chief Minister Narayan Rane asked: ``Do you have any proof that the government is pressurising the BMC in this regard? Has anyone in the government written, ordering that no action be taken? This issue has been going on for 20 years and has not arisen just now.''

Two days ago, Rane had professed a strong resolve to tackle encroachments in Mumbai, saying the relevant laws would even be amended tomake abetment to the activity a cognisable offence. His unusual patience with the upmarket restaurant today, however, betrayed a forked tongue that was decidely sweet on the privileged in Mumbai.

Grilled by reporters today, he displayed surprising outbursts during the press-meet. ``It is not our look-out to regularise China Garden. The restaurant has been initiating steps to protect itself. There are three to four issues in this matter like TDR, FSI, CRZ etc. We have not asked them to purchase heritage FSI. Rather, they have written to us saying they want to purchase it so that they may regularise their structure,'' he said, fending off any more queries on whether China Garden's illegal extensions would be razed.

Rane, who was asked whether it was right to pursue a dual policy of razing slums at the drop of a hat while turning a blind eye towards affluent encroachers, retorted that it is not correct to link the issue of razing slums with that of China Garden.

The restaurant, which has enjoyed a charmedexistence ever since its proprietor Nelson Wang expanded its initial 73.3 sq mt to 528.6 sq mt, was recently given a three-week ultimatum by Municipal Commissioner K Nalinakshan. The commissioner had told the proprietor to either regularise its illegal extension by purchasing heritage TDR within three weeks or have the structure razed.

Meanwhile, Rane earlier met with corporators to discuss the government's objective to make Mumbai clean and green. Police Commissioner R H Mendonca was also present. Two private companies, Mackinnon Mackenzie and Anderson Consultants, have been asked to submit a plan for the beautification of the city, which is to be completed by 2005. ``We discussed ways to beautify Mumbai and bring it on par with Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur,'' Rane said.