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The Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVMC) is demolishing 41 unauthorised buildings in Achole, Nalasopara East, constructed on land reserved for civic amenities. Built without approvals between 2010 and 2012, these structures have displaced thousands. Despite political assurances, residents were forcibly evicted, with their belongings left on the streets. Legal action followed a public interest petition, with courts ordering the demolition of these illegal constructions. The evictions reflect the human cost of systemic corruption and poor governance in urban development.
Fifteen families residing in Om Tulsi Apartments, one of 41 unauthorised structures in Achole, Nalasopara East, were evicted this week as part of a civic crackdown on illegal buildings. The apartments, constructed by some developers on land earmarked for public amenities, shows the larger issue of corruption in urban planning. The Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVMC), complying with court orders, began demolishing the remaining unauthorised buildings, a move affecting over 8,000 residents. Advertisement
In 2022, a Supreme Court directive mandated the demolition of these illegal structures, constructed between 2010 and 2012 without proper permissions, such as commencement or occupancy certificates. These buildings were built on 30 acres of land, some privately owned and others reserved for a dumping ground and sewage plant. The civic body had issued eviction notices to 2,500 families last year, with seven buildings demolished in November.
Earlier this week, VVMC officials, with police support, evicted the residents of Om Tulsi Apartments, who claimed political leaders had previously assured them their homes would be spared. Disheartened by unfulfilled promises, residents removed their belongings under duress as demolitions progressed.
The controversy stems from illegal constructions initiated by former corporator Sitaram Gupta and his son in 2006. In response to a public interest petition filed by landowner Ajay Sharma, the Bombay High Court ordered the eviction of occupants from these unauthorised buildings. Subsequently, Gupta was arrested in September 2022 on charges of land grabbing and forging official documents. Despite this, the legacy of these illegal actions continues to disrupt lives, with thousands left to face the consequences of such unregulated development.
Earlier in January, a similar anti-encroachment drive was carried out in Pune's Wakad and Dange Chowk areas, where the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) demolished unauthorised constructions.
The plight of the displaced families in Nalasopara underscores the devastating impact of unchecked corruption and illegal urban expansion. This situation calls for stronger regulatory oversight, transparent governance, and holding corrupt builders accountable. Beyond immediate evictions, urban planning authorities must adopt proactive measures to prevent such incidents and protect the rights of residents, ensuring future developments align with legal frameworks and societal needs.
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