The Bombay High Court has provided significant relief to around 8,000 residents of 41 unauthorized buildings in Agarwal Nagar, Nalasopara East, by staying their eviction for three months due to the impending monsoon season. The residents approached the court, expressing their concerns and willingness to be evicted only if they received cash compensation or alternative housing. The eviction notices were issued following a directive from the High Court, as the buildings were deemed encroachments on municipal lands. The illegal construction was allegedly carried out by former corporator Sitaram Gupta and his son Arun Gupta without necessary permissions. The case has highlighted the ongoing struggle between the residents and the authorities, with the High Court's stay order providing temporary relief while the long-term solution remains to be determined.
The Bombay High Court has provided significant relief to around 8,000 residents of 41 unauthorized buildings in Agarwal Nagar, Nalasopara East, by staying their eviction for three months due to the impending monsoon season. This stay order came a day after the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) had issued eviction notices to the residents.
Some residents approached the Bombay High Court, which granted the three-month stay on the eviction. The residents expressed their concerns, stating that they are willing to be evicted only if they receive cash compensation or are provided with alternative housing.
The eviction notices were issued following a directive from the Bombay High Court. The civic authorities stated that the buildings were encroachments by private builders on municipal lands reserved for public purposes. The land in question, spanning 30 acres, was partially privately owned and partially reserved for a dumping ground and a Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP).
The illegal construction on this land was allegedly carried out by former corporator Sitaram Gupta and his son Arun Gupta, without obtaining the necessary civic permissions. In 2006, they began the unauthorized construction, and between 2010 and 2012, 41 unauthorized buildings were constructed in the area.
However, the issue took a new turn when Ajay Sharma, a landowner, filed a public interest petition in the High Court, leading to a court order for the Municipal Corporation to evict the residents of the 41 buildings. Consequently, the VVMC issued the eviction notices.
Sitaram Gupta, the former corporator, was arrested in September 2022 and accused of land grabbing and constructing 41 illegal buildings. He was also accused of producing a bogus Completion Certificate (CC) for one of the buildings.
The Municipal Corporation filed an FIR against Gupta and his associate Vijay Tambat, alias Vijay Salvi, in June 2023. They were charged with multiple offences under the Indian Penal Code, including cheating, criminal trespass, and forgery.
The accused, including Sitaram Gupta, Arun Gupta, and their accomplices, allegedly acquired 30 acres of land from private owners and an additional 30 acres reserved for government projects. They sold the land to various builders using fake ownership documents.
The case has highlighted the ongoing struggle between the residents, who are seeking a fair resolution, and the authorities, who are attempting to address the issue of unauthorized construction on municipal lands. The Bombay High Court's stay order has provided temporary relief to the residents, but the long-term solution remains to be determined. The authorities must now work closely with the residents to find a fair and sustainable solution that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders.
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