Mumbai: MCGM Accused Of Illegal Road Construction On Malad Recreation Ground; SHRC Orders Inquiry

Mahesh Natwarlal Thakkar, a Malad resident has approached the State Human Right’s commission (SHRC)  accusing the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) of illegally constructing a road through a plot of land designated for a public recreation garden. Thakkar, claimed that the corporation has usurped roughly one-third of the RG plot (Recreation Ground plot) of village Malad, Tal Borivali, using it as a roadway without any legal authority.

According to Thakkar, the plot is entirely reserved for public use as a playground, garden, or park. He alleges that despite repeated complaints to the MCGM, officials have failed to cease the usage of the land as a road. He further claims a response to a Right to Information (RTI) request in 2017 from the Public Information Officer, Asst. Engineer (Maintenance) P/North Ward, denied the road's construction by the corporation.

Thakkar also stated that his attempts to address the issue with corporation officers were met with dismissive remarks, including claims that officials could act with impunity. He has video recordings of these conversations and has been granted permission to submit them as evidence.

Representing the MCGM, Advocate Rajshri Valvi, along with Sub Engineer (Maintenance) Aditya Sonekar, presented an affidavit in reply stating that the pathway was constructed following requests from residents in the area and is approximately 5-6 meters wide. Valvi acknowledged that she was presently unable to provide the legal justification for constructing the road on the RG plot. She requested time to investigate under whose authority the pathway was built, the associated costs, the exact area occupied, and the corporation's plans to discontinue its use as a pathway.

The Commission  expressed serious concern over the allegations that the MCGM was using a designated RG plot of land for a roadway, potentially involving a significant expenditure of public funds without proper authorization.

To further investigate the matter, the commission has ordered an inquiry into the basis upon which the corporation is utilizing the RG plot as a pathway.

The matter has been adjourned and adjourned for further hearing on June 19, 2025.