Mumbai: In a major demolition drive, the BMC's K-West ward team took action against five unauthorized buildings in Vesave village, Versova, in the western suburbs. During the operation, officials also identified 35 more illegal constructions in the area, which are slated for demolition.
Notably, earlier action against such structures had come to a halt following the sudden transfer of then ward officer Prithviraj Chauhan immediately after a similar crackdown.
Unauthorised construction on ecologically sensitive marshland and within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) in Versova has been a recurring issue. Upon detecting such violations the BMC’s K-West ward issued notices under Section 351 of the BMC Act, 1888, directing the parties to remove the illegal structures.
BMC demolishes unauthorised buildings in Versova’s Vesave village as part of CRZ crackdown | File Photo
However, despite repeated warnings, no corrective action was taken by them. Considering the serious risk to life due to unstable construction on marshy land, the civic body carried out a demolition drive over the past five days to clear the encroachments.
According to civic sources, several buildings in Versova’s CRZ were illegally constructed over the past year without BMC approval. These include Kutoor House (G+5) in Tere Galli, Saishraddha Nivas (G+1) near Versova Pump House, Naga House (G+4) in Goma Galli, Zhemane House (G+3) in Mandvi Galli, and Ganesh Sagar (G+3) in Bazaar Galli.
A team of around 80 BMC officials and workers, supported by police personnel, carried out the demolition using 35 hand breakers, 8 gas cutters, and 8 generators.
Chakrapani Alle, Assistant Municipal Commissioner of K-West ward, said, "These buildings were under construction, and no one was residing in them. Our team took nearly five days to complete this major demolition. We plan to take action against another 35 unauthorised structures within a month, subject to receiving adequate police protection."
Vinod Gholap of the Fight for Right Foundation said, "Ward offices play a crucial role in monitoring illegal activities and taking timely action. Unfortunately, there seems to be a nexus between some builders and officials. The BMC must strengthen vigilance at the ward level to prevent such unauthorised constructions, which clearly don’t come up in a single day. Civic authorities must investigate lapses and negligence, and hold those responsible accountable."
In June 2024, the K-West ward launched a demolition drive against unauthorised buildings. As part of the crackdown, a sub-engineer was suspended and a designated ward official was transferred for negligence in executing the demolitions.
However, sources revealed that following political pressure, then ward officer Prithviraj Chauhan was also transferred, which led to the suspension of further action.
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