Maharashtra: Government To Set Up a Panel Led by Retired Judge To Investigate Illegal Structures in Mumbai

The state government of Maharashtra is planning to set up a panel led by a retired judge to probe the issue of the increase in unauthorised construction/illegal structures in Mumbai. State Industries Minister Uday Samant informed the legislative council that they will probe all the illegal constructions falling under the limits of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the officials who will be responsible for these illegal structures would face immediate action based on the committee’s report.

The Mumbai-based legislators expressed concern over these illegal structures being built on government as well as private land. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Sachin Ahir said that despite many complaints from the residents and the representatives of the public, the BMC did not take any action.

Also Read: Pune Metro Protest: Court Rejects Bail for Women Protesters Citing Serious Offense

He claimed that the municipal commissioners, zonal deputy commissioners, ward officers, engineers, and designated officers had ignored the illegal constructions in Mumbai. He also alleged that some officials were facilitating this activity.

Sachin Ahir asked the state government to conduct an inquiry through a Special Investigation Team or a committee of retired judges. Replying to this demand and the issue raised by the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, Samant assured the council that a panel led by a retired judge would be set up and they will investigate this issue.

Several opposition MLCs expressed worry about particular regions where unauthorised development has proliferated. There have been extensive encroachments on both public and private property in wards D, E, G-South, H-West, K-West, P-North, P-South, and L. The BMC allegedly did nothing more than issue notifications against these illegal buildings, according to opposition members. Additionally, they charged that certain dishonest BMC officials were responsible for allowing and safeguarding these structures.

Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap questioned the BMC for not taking any action and he also pointed out that many officials had been serving in the same position for more than 10 years. He said, “Issuing notices is not enough. What action has been taken against those shielding illegal construction?”

Minister Madhuri Misal confirmed that no action was taken against any officials that have been involved in this matter.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab claimed that in the P-South and P-North wards, the land mafias had encroached over 150 acres of the government land. He too demanded that action should be taken against the officials involved in this issue.

As of now, 7,951 unauthorised constructions have been done in Mumbai and 1,211 structures have been demolished. Legal proceedings are underway against the 2,015 constructions, Samant informed the Council.