Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar has warned of strict action against civic officials if they neglect illegal constructions in the city. The civic chief came down heavily on the Encroachment department during a review meeting on action taken against unauthorized constructions from January to June 2021.
For the last fortnight, the civic body had demolished several illegal structures.
Encroachments and unauthorized constructions are hampering the planning of the city and the citizens who invest their lifelong earnings in such buildings are also cheated and huge financial losses are incurred. Bangar ordered strict action against people involved in illegal constructions during the review meeting.
He also cleared that stringent measures would be taken against the concerned officers and employees if any person was found to be deliberately trying to neglect such constructions. During the meeting, additional commissioner Sanjay Kakade, deputy commissioner (Encroachment) Amrish Patnaigere along with ward officials were presented. Bangar also directed the Encroachment Department to intensify the action against the unauthorized constructions.
While reviewing the anti-encroachment action from January to June, Bangar reviewed the notices issued under Section 54 of the Maharashtra Regional Planning and Town Planning (MR&TP) Act, 1966 for all the ongoing constructions. Expressing displeasure over the number of unauthorized constructions and notices issued, he directed the department officials to re-examine the matter and pay regular attention to it. The commissioner also directed them to pay close attention to ensure that construction is not resumed once notice is given or action is taken.
He also said that notice boards should be put up to make people aware of steps taken to minimize unauthorized constructions. Bangar also instructed officials to be watchful of such construction taking place within CIDCO and MIDC jurisdiction.
In order to prevent encroachment, an independent junior engineer will be appointed in each ward to keep watch on illegal constriction. “It is the responsibility of the junior engineer to keep watch on illegal constructions and inform the ward offices for further action,” said a senior civic official.
