In response to the recent collapse of an illegal four-storey building in Shahbaz, Belapur, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has initiated the demolition of 25 illegal structures across the city. The drive also includes the removal of approximately 250 unauthorised hoardings and banners. Civic activists have called for ongoing monitoring by municipal staff across all eight wards to prevent the emergence of illegal buildings and structures. RTI activist Anarjit Chauhan criticised NMMC for its reactive approach, stating, ?The NMMC's actions seem to be a direct response to the Shahbaz building collapse, which resulted in three fatalities and several injuries. While 25 demolitions have already occurred, another 20 are planned for the coming month. It?s crucial that ward officials and the anti-encroachment cell conduct regular patrols to prevent such illegal structures from appearing in the first place. The Shahbaz building had been illegal for years, and it's unlikely that local officials were unaware of it. I believe errant officials should also face consequences.? Chauhan also highlighted concerns about bribery and corruption contributing to the proliferation of illegal constructions. He pointed to the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse, which killed 17 people, as evidence of delayed government action in addressing illegal hoardings and advertisements. ?It?s troubling that the government only acts after tragedies occur. This suggests a disregard for safety regulations, which are often compromised due to corruption,? he said. NMMC Commissioner Kailas Shinde was contacted for a statement on the civic body?s demolition targets but only indicated that efforts are ongoing to remove as many illegal structures as possible, with specific numbers to be discussed later. An NMMC spokesperson confirmed that, as of August 7, over 211 hoardings and banners had been removed in the Nerul and Belapur areas, and the crackdown on illegal structures will continue. Rajeev Mishra, city-based activist who filed a PIL against illegal buildings in Navi Mumbai in 2013, has now initiated a contempt case against the civic body for failing to address ongoing illegal constructions. Mishra criticised the authorities for not taking stronger action against the many illegal buildings, particularly in Ghansoli, where he estimates over 100 structures are under construction. He also reminded the state authorities of a 2009 government resolution mandating vigilant civic policing to prevent illegal construction, lamenting that while such rules exist, they are not enforced effectively.
A senior NMMC official stated that the body is aware of the contempt proceedings and is actively demolishing illegal structures across all wards, including Vashi, Nerul, Belapur, Turbhe, Ghansoli, and Airoli. Recently, NMMC also cut water supply connections to two illegal buildings in Vashi. (ET)
