Mumbai: Three illegally constructed buildings razed in Versova

A pile of debris

In a move to curb unauthorised constructions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished three illegally constructed buildings in Shiv Galli at Versova village, on Tuesday. This action was carried out by a joint team from the BMC's Building and Factory Department and the Mumbai Suburban District Collector's Office, marking a significant step in the corporation's ongoing crackdown on illegal constructions in the area.

The BMC has been receiving complaints about the illegal constructions taking place in Versova. A local resident, requesting anonymity, said, "Many illegal buildings were constructed in the area. It is good to see that the authorities have taken a serious note of the same and the buildings are being demolished. The authorities should keep taking strict action against the illegal structures and offences should also be registered against those involved."

Bulldozer demolishes illegal building

According to a press statement by BMC, the action has been taken following directives by BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani and under the guidance of Additional Municipal Commissioner (western suburbs) Dr Sudhakar Shinde. Stringent action is being taken against unauthorised constructions. The BMC's efforts are described as a stance against unauthorised constructions in Versova's Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), with a special squad established to enforce these actions.

Last week, on June 3 and 4, several unauthorised constructions in the marshy areas and the CRZ in Versova were demolished. On Tuesday, under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner (Circle-4) Vishwas Shankarwar and the initiative of Assistant Commissioner (K-West Ward) Dr Prithviraj Chavan, three buildings were demolished.

The first building had a ground floor and upper floor, the second had a ground floor and three upper floors, and the third had a ground floor and three upper floors. The demolition was carried out with the help of 10 BMC officers, personnel from the Mumbai suburban district collector's encroachment removal team, 50 workers, two excavators, two electric breakers, and three gas cutters. Adequate police presence was also maintained during the operation.

According to BMC, the primary objective of this action is to protect the environment and ensure proper urban development and regulation. The BMC administration has made it clear that unauthorised constructions in Versova and other areas will not be tolerated and will be demolished immediately.