Bombay High Court Orders Demolition of Nearly 4500 Illegal Structures in Navi Mumbai

Following a recent order from the Bombay High Court, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is gearing up to demolish almost 4,500 illegal structures in Navi Mumbai. The court directive came as part of efforts to address the proliferation of unauthorized constructions, with the court seeking details on actions taken against post-2015 illegal structures. 

Additionally, the reinstatement of Dr. Rahul Gethe, the former head of the civic body’s anti-encroachment department, has raised hopes for a concerted crackdown on illegal structures in the city.

Illegal structures have become a pressing issue in Navi Mumbai, particularly in gaothan areas outside villages, where officials have reportedly turned a blind eye to unauthorized developments. 

The NMMC has identified over 15,000 illegal structures in the city, although the actual number is believed to be higher, with many buildings going unrecorded. 

Notices have been sent to nearly 4,000 illegal structures since 2015, invoking the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act. However, the failure to demolish these structures within stipulated deadlines has fueled accusations of collusion between political leaders, the land mafia, and civic officials.

A recent PIL filed by a law student, Kishore Sunder Shetty, prompted the Bombay High Court to issue an order on January 31. 

The court instructed the NMMC to take action against buildings lacking commencement and/or occupancy certificates. Dr. Rahul Gethe, who was previously moved from his position after overseeing demolitions before Diwali, has been reinstated. This move has raised hopes for coordinated efforts to address the issue of illegal structures.

Dr. Gethe, upon resuming his role in the anti-encroachment department, affirmed that they are actively working on implementing the high court’s order. The process to vacate two buildings in sector 16 of Nerul, declared illegal by the high court, has already commenced. 

Moreover, actions against illegal structures in Sanpada, Kopar Khairane, and other areas are underway. Municipal Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar expressed a zero-tolerance policy against illegal structures, emphasizing the municipality’s commitment to sending a strong message to perpetrators.

The upcoming demolitions in Navi Mumbai reflect a decisive response to the long-standing issue of illegal structures. The Bombay High Court’s order and the reinstatement of Dr. Rahul Gethe signal a renewed commitment to addressing unauthorized constructions and fostering accountability in civic governance.