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The Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) recently completed a large-scale demolition drive, razing 41 unauthorised buildings in Vasai East over 22 days. The structures, illegally constructed on land designated for a water and sewage treatment plant, were reportedly encroached upon by local land mafias. The demolitions followed a Supreme Court directive after residents failed to secure a stay order. The displaced families, mainly comprising factory workers and migrant labourers, now face severe housing crises. While the Bombay High Court has sought clarification from the state government on rehabilitation plans, only a handful of affected residents have submitted valid proof of residence.
The Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) has completed its extensive demolition drive in Vasai East, dismantling 41 unauthorised buildings within a span of 22 days. This operation, which concluded over the weekend, resulted in nearly 2,000 residents losing their homes. Advertisement
VVMC officials said that the demolished structures had been illegally built on land earmarked for a water treatment and sewage treatment facility in Agarwal Nagari, Vasai East. Reports suggest that a local land mafia had encroached upon the 60-acre property, which included 30 acres of government-owned land and an equivalent portion of private land, previously under the jurisdiction of the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd (CIDCO).
The action was taken following a Supreme Court directive after residents, who had sought a stay on the demolitions in November, failed to obtain relief from the apex court.
The municipal corporation launched the first phase of its operation by demolishing seven structurally unsafe buildings. However, the drive was temporarily halted in December when residents petitioned the Bombay High Court. The second phase resumed towards the end of January, with authorities enforcing prohibitory orders to prevent disturbances. Around 500 police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order. The operation continued without interruption for 22 days, resulting in the complete demolition of all 41 structures.
The majority of those affected were factory workers, small business owners, daily wage labourers, and migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan. While some have managed to secure temporary rental accommodations in nearby areas, many were compelled to return to their native towns due to financial constraints.
In light of the crisis, the Bombay High Court has directed the state government and VVMC to provide details regarding their plans for rehabilitating the displaced families. Authorities have been instructed to submit a comprehensive affidavit within three weeks.
VVMC Deputy Commissioner Deepak Sawant stated that residents had been informed about the need to submit proof of residence for possible rehabilitation. However, despite this directive, only eight of the 2,000 displaced families have so far submitted valid applications with certified proof of residence from VVMC. This certification, which verifies the purchase of flats in the unauthorised buildings, is a key requirement for potential eligibility under any possible government-led rehabilitation scheme.
A VVMC official confirmed that the reclaimed land would now be utilised for its originally designated purpose-the development of a water treatment and sewage treatment facility.
While the municipal corporation has acted in accordance with legal directives, the affected families now face a bleak future, with only a handful eligible for potential rehabilitation. As the reclaimed land is set to be developed for public utilities, the incident underscores the importance of stringent urban planning and vigilance to prevent illegal encroachments in the future.
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