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The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has intensified its crackdown on illegal construction, suspending ex-Assistant Commissioner Sandeep Rokade for failing to prevent unauthorized buildings in Manda-Titwala. Following Commissioner Indurani Jakhar’s inspection, new appointee Pramod Patil demolished 600 illegal structures in two weeks. KDMC now plans to demolish 65 buildings constructed with forged documents between 2019-2022. An FIR has been filed against four individuals under the MRTP Act. With over 3,000 illegal structures identified in 2023, the Bombay HC’s intervention has pushed KDMC to tighten enforcement, warning officials of suspensions and legal action for negligence.
The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has intensified its efforts against illegal construction, taking strict action against officials failing to prevent unauthorized buildings. The corporation has suspended former Assistant Commissioner of ‘A’ Ward, Sandeep Rokade, for negligence in curbing illegal developments in the Manda-Titwala area. Advertisement
The move follows a recent inspection by KDMC Commissioner Indurani Jakhar, who noticed unauthorized chawls in the region. Despite being directed to act against illegal structures, Rokade allegedly issued only notices without executing demolitions. In response, the civic body removed him from his position and appointed Pramod Patil, who demolished at least 600 unauthorized structures within two weeks. The crackdown reflects the KDMC's renewed focus on enforcing urban planning laws after the Bombay High Court’s orders to curb unregulated development.
KDMC is now planning to demolish 65 illegal buildings constructed between 2019 and 2022. These buildings were allegedly built using forged documents and fraudulent Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) certificates. The municipal corporation has directed ward officers to intensify action against unauthorized developments. Additional Municipal Commissioner Harshal Gaikwad, who issued Rokade’s suspension, stated that all officials responsible for failing to curb such constructions will face similar action.
In a related development, KDMC has lodged an FIR against four individuals under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act for carrying out illegal constructions in Vasar village under ‘I’ Ward. The case highlights how unauthorized structures continue to emerge despite ongoing legal measures.
Illegal construction is a longstanding issue in Kalyan-Dombivli, with many unauthorized residential and commercial structures coming up due to weak enforcement and alleged political interference. Several residents have been unknowingly purchasing homes in such buildings, only to face legal troubles later. The issue worsened during the pandemic when many structures were built without proper permissions, taking advantage of the limited municipal oversight.
In 2023, KDMC officials identified over 3,000 unauthorized buildings across different wards. While some demolitions have been carried out, many remain occupied due to legal battles or lack of enforcement. Builders often construct these buildings without following fire safety norms, structural guidelines, or obtaining proper occupancy certificates, putting residents at risk.
With the high court’s intervention, KDMC has ramped up measures to prevent unauthorized construction. Officials have been asked to closely monitor new developments and ensure approvals are granted only after thorough verification. Commissioner Jakhar has warned that any officer neglecting responsibilities will face suspension or legal action.
This move is expected to deter unauthorized construction activities and protect homebuyers from fraudulent deals. However, urban planning experts stress the need for stricter checks at the approval stage to prevent such issues from arising in the first place. The KDMC’s next steps will determine whether the city can effectively tackle the illegal construction menace or if the cycle of unauthorized development will continue.
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