Indian Express 15.10.2010
Civic body calls for development plan for Thane illegal structures
Prashant Rangnekar Tags : Thane Municipal Corporation, illegal structure, B G Pawar Posted: Fri Oct 15 2010, 23:22 hrs
Mumbai: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has sent a proposal to the state government for development of illegal structures through redevelopment or cluster development policies. “These buildings/structures cannot be regularised as rules were not followed during the construction. Most of them were constructed without any guidance from engineers and they are structurally unsafe,” said Thane Municipal Commissioner R A Rajeev.“It is, however, proposed that these structures should be developed through redevelopment or cluster development. We have sent the proposal to the state government which will take the decision about this.”
According to B G Pawar, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (encroachment), the city has around 5,000 buildings and over 2.30 lakh illegal structures. In 2010, some 12,000 structures have been demolished after the Bombay High Court order.
Thane and the satellite cities of Mumbai saw haphazard development in the early 90s when the population from Mumbai started shifting towards the distant suburbs. This was primarily due to closure of industrial units in the city and availability of bigger houses. In many cases, permission for construction was taken before the areas were brought under the Corporation areas. Places like Kalwa, Diva, Mumbra, Dombivli and Kalyan saw blatant violation of laws. Illegal constructions mushroomed with connivance of local politicians and civic bodies.
“We are not demolishing the buildings where people are residing. But when someone gets a house for cheap they also know about the legality of the house,” said Rajeev, adding, "We are not demolishing structures. For that we first need to coordinate with the local police and evacuate the people. But it is also to be seen that the city has to grow in a planned manner.”
On action against guilty civic officers, Rajeev said, “We have suspended one Assistant Municipal Commissioner and have asked one to take compulsory retirement. Even an engineer has been suspended but I cannot comment on what has happened in the past.”
“The illegal constructions had political backings in the 90s but it now has the blessings of corporation officials,” said Jitendra Awhad, MLA from Mumbra. Diva and Kalwa- having the highest number of illegal constructions in the city.
But now there is growing tussle between the TMC officials and officials who come on deputation from the state government.
“We are sandwiched between these officials who are also hand-in glove with the politicians but go after completion of their tenure. We have to suffer the brunt,” said a TMC official.
