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111, Zakaria Masjid street, your days are numbered!

dna had first reported on December 2, 2015, about five illegal structures constructed during Diwali holidays in the area. Local politicians, elected representatives and developers work hand-in-glove and civic officials turn a blind eye.

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Municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta has taken serious note of a dna report on April 8, 2016, about the illegal load-bearing structure – 111, Zakaria Masjid street. 

On Monday, the civic chief directed additional municipal commissioner (AMC) Pallavi Darade to visit the B ward to inspect the illegal structure and demolish the building. 

The BMC also asked the AMC to submit an action taken report in a week. For illegal structures in the C and E wards, the report has to be submitted in 15 days.

The letter to AMC (city) refers to rampant illegal construction in B, C and E wards. “The AMC is directed to take regular rounds in these wards, inspect illegal constructions personally and direct the concerned officer to demolish the same by due process in law and ensure that the unauthorised constructions are demolished completely,” reads the letter.

The letter to the AMC (city), marked ‘Most Urgent’, further reads: “You are further directed to ensure that, henceforth, no unauthorised construction takes place in the areas under your jurisdiction. The action taken report of B ward should be submitted in a week. Similarly, the report of C and E wards should be submitted in 15 days.”

dna had first reported on December 2, 2015, about five illegal structures constructed during Diwali holidays in the area. Local politicians, elected representatives and developers work hand-in-glove and civic officials turn a blind eye.

111, Zakaria Masjid building, an 11-storey load-bearing structure, was constructed in one month. B ward officials were reluctant to demolish the structure and delayed action, even after it was scheduled on the list and police had promised protection to officials.

Assistant commissioner of B ward, Srinivas Kilaje, and engineer from the building and factory department, Vishal Mhaiskar, were the two officers responsible for taking action against the unscrupulous developers, but they dragged their feet. 

The officers merely shot a notice and never took action. When dna did a follow-up, the officials assured action, but never took it. Almost three months later, a symbolic demolition was undertaken. This was an eyewash as the civic staff hammered the walls a few times and stopped it as the developer's men approached them.

dna learns that the developer was waiting for electricity connection, so that people can start moving into the building. Once people occupy the building, they cannot be evicted and buyers can seek court protection to avoid demolition.

Residents from the area have complained that such buildings have no completion certificates, no occupation certificates, and yet have all civic amenities like water, sewerage, electricity. There is also no clarity on how their property tax is assessed.

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