NMMC clamps down on illegal buildings, Cidco follows suit:Hindustan Times

Seven criminal cases filed; names of offenders published in newspapers

CBD BELAPUR: After two building collapses in the neighbouring Thane and Dombivli in seven days, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is not going to take any chances.

It has reiterated its tough stand to curb illegal constructions in the city. It has begun filing criminal cases with the police against those involved in such activity. It is also publishing their names in dailies and has begun putting them up on its website.

Subhash Ingle, deputy municipal commissioner (encroachment), said: “Instructions have been issued to all officials that no illegal construction should be allowed in the city at any cost. We have taken several measures to curb the menace of illegal constructions.”

So far, seven criminal cases have been filed in this regard. The details of the cases have been published in the newspapers recently. The authorities are hoping that these measures will help curb the illegal constructions in the city.

The issue of illegal constructions in the city has been highlighted after the two collapses. In areas such as Digha, highrises are coming up in slums. In the LIG colonies of City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco), construction beyond the permissible limit is being undertaken. Hundreds of illegal constructions are on Mumbai Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and Cidco plots. It is in this context that the NMMC has initiated its latest measures.

The NMMC’s latest initiative has shaken up the land mafia in the city.

“Not stopping at taking action against the illegal structures, we are also publishing the details through advertisements. We are also asking the sub-registrar offices not to register the illegal flats by providing them information on the same,” he added.

Cidco too is filing criminal cases on illegal constructions in its jurisdiction.

According to Cidco j oint managing director, V Radha, “We have decided not tolerate any encroachment. An immediate FIR will be lodged against Cidco, NMMC or other government department officials and private individuals who in any way support any illegal construction.”

“We have already started the process and lodged around 50 cases in the last four months. We are also going after the big targets,” she added.