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The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has begun demolishing 47 of 65 illegal buildings constructed using forged RERA certificates, affecting around 6,500 residents. This follows a Bombay High Court order after a whistleblower's complaint revealed the scam last year. While 10 unoccupied buildings were demolished earlier, the current process involves inhabited structures, prompting KDMC to disconnect utilities to ensure evacuation before demolition. Fifteen arrests, including builders and agents, have been made, with a Special Investigation Team probing the fraud. Delays were attributed to elections and monsoons. Residents demand accountability from officials and fair compensation for affected families.
The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has begun demolishing forty seven of the sixty five illegal buildings constructed by developers who had forged Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) certificate documents. This action follows last month's order from the Bombay High Court regarding the same. The demolition process will impact around 6,500 people. Advertisement
According to a report by Times of India (TOI), the demolition process is set to impact over 6,500 people. KDMC had previously demolished about ten buildings, none of which were inhabited. However, this time around some of the buildings are currently occupied by residents and so authorities will first disconnect electricity and water supplies to prompt residents to move before they begin demolition.
The entire scam came to light last year when a social worker and architect from Kalyan lodged a complaint with KDMC. Initially no action was taken, forcing the social worker to approach the High Court. Following this the KDMC filed two FIRs against the builder and the Thane Police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the matter. A total of fifteen arrests have been made so far including builders and agents involved in forging documents.
When questioned by the press, representatives of the civic body stated the on-going election duties, monsoon seasons and subsequent assembly elections as some of the causes for the delay in action. The civic body will now use tactics at its disposal to ensure shift action against perpetrators, safe evacuation of the residents and an orderly demolition of the illegal buildings. A large contingent of police officers are expected to be present during the demolitions to ensure order.
Citizens have mixed feelings about the decision by the KDMC. Some believe the residents who were fooled for no fault of their own are having to face the consequences. Others feel stronger action must be taken against office bearers who did not pick up on the illegal activities in time. A few are advocating for just compensation on account of the lapse in security measures.
KDMC's ongoing demolition highlights the importance of stringent regulation in the real estate sector. While certain measures are in place, the enforcement of the same appears to be falling short. Buyers must be more vigilant and use the resources made available by the government to properly vet builders and projects before investing their hard earned money. Civic authorities must find ways to address issues swiftly and provide justice in a timely manner to avoid disappointment and frustration.
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