Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar recently rapped officials for their slow pace of action against unauthorized constructions in the city and warned them of strict action against them, if it was found that they had deliberately neglected unauthorized constructions. He was reviewing the action taken against illegal constructions in the city.
Bangar expressed his displeasure over the fact that despite the existence of separate mechanisms in each department to curb unauthorized constructions, it was rampant and complaints were received that unauthorized multi-storied buildings came up at some places.
On June 22, Bangar had taken the first review meeting and had given a few directions on tackling unauthorized constructions. However, he was not satisfied with the development as the number of actions was quite low than the total number of unauthorized constructions.
As per the information, notices have been issued to 97 unauthorized constructions under Section 54 of the Maharashtra Regional Planning and Town Planning (MR&TP) Act, 1966. However, the civic body could have taken against 48 unauthorized constructions for not responding to the notices within the stipulated time. Expressing displeasure over the department-wise comparative review of anti-encroachment notices and action figures submitted in the previous meeting and subsequent action figures, the commissioner directed the departmental officers to conduct a more vigilant survey in the departmental area. Bangar also directed the engineers of the encroachment department to be vigilant about unauthorized constructions in their area and ensure that no new unauthorized constructions take place and take legal action by issuing notices under the MR&TP Act, 1966.
Bangar also directed to display awareness boards at the sites of unauthorized constructions and to ensure that they are not removed. He also asked to ensure unauthorized construction does not come on CIDCO and MIDC plots.
During the meeting, Additional Commissioner Sanjay Kakade, Deputy Commissioner of Encroachment. Amrish Patnaigire as well as Engineers of Encroachment Department of all departments and Assistant Commissioners of all wared were present through video conferencing.
