The Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has compiled a list of unauthorized structures and buildings across the KDMC region from 2010 to 2018.
In Ward No. 1/A Wadavli, a total of 1,987 unauthorized brick sheds and RCC structures have been reported. In Ward 2 (B), Khadakpada Kalyan, notices have been served to 585 unauthorized structures. KDMC issued notices for illegal constructions between January 1, 2017, and June 30, 2018. The civic body also declared 202 illegal buildings and structures from 2011 to 2016 in the 3(K) ward office. Additionally, the D ward office recorded 44 illegal structures, the F ward office 120, the G ward office 261, the I ward office 133, and the E ward office 96.
Social activist and architect Sandeep Patil accused KDMC officials, including the ward officer and Deputy Municipal Commissioner, of only documenting illegal structures on paper without executing demolitions at the ground level. He alleged that despite maintaining records of unauthorized structures, the civic body failed to demolish them due to vested financial interests. Patil further claimed that KDMC takes action against illegal buildings only following court orders, and even then, demolitions are often partial, merely to showcase compliance.
However, KDMC civic officer Awdhut Tawade, speaking to The Free Press Journal, countered these allegations, stating that the corporation has demolished over 400 illegal structures in the KDMC region within the past year and a half, either by order of the High Court or suo motu action by KDMC.
Meanwhile, 6,500 residents in the KDMC region are facing eviction ahead of demolitions mandated by the Bombay High Court. Residents, whose interim applications were dismissed, have sought help from political parties. The KDMC will demolish all illegal constructions built by the 65 builders implicated in the RERA certificate scam.
According to KDMC officials, these 65 builders allegedly secured MahaRERA certificates for their projects using forged documents. Thane’s Special Investigating Team (SIT) is currently probing the scam. The High Court had granted residents three months to take corrective measures, but the deadline expired on February 3, prompting KDMC to proceed with demolitions. Among the affected buildings, residents of Sai Galaxy had filed a petition before the HC, which was dismissed on February 13.
