VASAI: The recent suspension of Mohan Sankhe, an assistant municipal commissioner, has shed light on a troubling connection between local officials and the illegal construction mafia. In a viral audio clip, he allegedly agreed to accept bribes totaling Rs 3 lakh. This incident highlights the ongoing struggle against illegal construction in the Vasai Taluka area.
Since the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) was founded in 2009, it has faced criticism for its inability to control the rise of illegal building projects. Social activist Terence Hendriques, who has been vocal about this issue, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that led to warning boards being placed outside illegal schools. He argues that the VVCMC often ignores court directives and has not made significant efforts to demolish illegal constructions. According to him, many illegal schools remain operational without proper warnings to parents.
Hendriques, who lives in Nalasopara and works in real estate, is particularly concerned about the VVCMC’s inaction. He points out that not only do illegal constructions flourish, but the poor also risk losing their life savings to the land mafia, who build unauthorized housing units.
The illegal construction issue extends beyond just schools and homes. Activists claim that the mafia also encroaches on riverbeds, destroys hill areas, and pollutes ecologically sensitive zones. In a recent court session, it was mentioned that there could be up to 12,000 illegal structures in the area, a number that activists believe is much higher than official estimates.
Vasai is known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites like the Vasai Fort, and temples, making it a potential tourism hotspot. However, the constant illegal construction activities tarnish its reputation. Currently, the area is making headlines for the demolition of 41 illegal buildings that were constructed on reserved land meant for a dumping ground and a sewage treatment plant. Reports suggest that a former local corporator is involved in these illegal activities.
Ramavtar Yadav, another activist from Naigaon, has raised alarms about the destruction of mangroves due to illegal constructions. He believes the environment suffers immensely from these actions, both during construction and demolition phases.
Dipak Sawant, the deputy municipal commissioner responsible for managing unauthorized constructions, stated that demolitions are ongoing. He emphasized that every ward officer has been assigned responsibilities in this matter and has the necessary resources to act against illegal builds. The VVCMC has its demolition efforts divided between the North and South zones to enhance efficiency.
Chandu Vijay Patil, a Virar resident and member of a local political party, has been advocating for the removal of encroachments around high-tension power lines. He has repeatedly approached local authorities regarding the issue, but meaningful action has yet to materialize. The Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (MSETCL) has also warned that power supply to Mumbai could be affected if illegal encroachments persist near their infrastructure.
Source link
Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation,Vasai illegal construction,mangroves destruction,illegal construction mafia,environmental harm,demolition of illegal buildings
