MUMBAI: The demolition of 41 unauthorised residential buildings in Nalasopara's (east) Agrawal Nagari began on Thursday, affecting more than 2,500 families.
The action follows after residents failed to secure relief from the Bombay high court and Supreme Court. The unlawful constructions cover 60 acres, including 30 acres of private plots allegedly encroached by former Bahujan Vikas Aghadi corporator Sitaram Gupta, who was arrested by the Economic Offences Wing last September.
Fresh eviction notices were issued to residents on Wednesday, requesting their cooperation with the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC), which is conducting the demolition under heavy police presence.
The four-storey structures will be demolished over nine days, according to civic officials. Thursday's schedule includes eight buildings. Currently, the demolition team is removing portions of the flats without completely dismantling the structures.
The VVMC initially gave occupants a 24-hour notice on July 2. Their appeal to the high court resulted in an extension until October 30, but the demolition order remained.
The Supreme Court also rejected a Special Leave Petition from the affected families, permitting the VVMC to proceed. The court noted that the buildings lacked proper authorisation and highlighted that land designated for public projects cannot house unauthorised structures.
Three elderly brothers residing in Canada and New Zealand - Mohanlal Patel, Ramanlal, and Dhirajlal - filed the original writ petition. They gave power of attorney to their youngest brother Ramdas, a Vasai resident, who subsequently transferred it to his son Piyush and Ajay Sharma.
The petitioners assert ownership of the wetlands property since 1977. The 2010 development plan designated their entire land for a dumping ground and sewage treatment plant without notice or compensation.
Despite demolishing 200 structures in 2013-14 following Harit Vasai Saurakshan Smirti's writ petition, illegal chawls continued appearing on the site.
The working-class occupants, residing there for 15 years, claim they purchased their homes through periodic cash payments. They now seek alternative accommodation from the govt.
The VVMC has asked owners with purchase proof to contact the municipality for necessary certificates. The Supreme Court noted that occupants may approach the govt regarding rehabilitation.
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Sandhya Nair, Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Mumbai. Wri...
Read MoreSandhya Nair, Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Mumbai. Writes on School Education, covers developments in Mira-Bhayander, Palghar district.
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