#DNAExclusive | Unholy nexus built dodgy constructions: Minister Prakash Mehta slams BMC

State Housing minister Prakash Mehta says that unauthorised constructions grow due to the blessings of civic officials. He hopes that the new act that the state is planning to introduce will have stringent provisions to break the unholy nexus. In an exclusive interview, Mehta says the government's priority is now the rehabilitation of Sai Siddhi residents and it's reconstruction.

How serious is the government about addressing the menace of illegal buildings?

The Sai Siddhi crash is certainly an eye-opener. With three decades of experience in the politics, I can tell you that unauthorised constructions cannot mushroom without an unholy nexus between developers and civic officials. The government proposes to bring in new act which will be deterrent to an officer even at a lower level – (s)he won't dare help construction of illegal buildings or turn a blind eye to them.

Did such a nexus lead to Sai Siddhi's collapse?

I have represented Ghatkopar (West) assembly constituency, where Sai Siddhi is located, for 20 years. The building was not on Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) list of dilapidated buildings that it releases every year, ahead of the monsoons. However, the occupant of three rooms on the ground floor was carrying out renovations and the leading cause for the collapse seems to be the major structural changes undertaken by him.

Now the priority is rehabilitation of the residents and reconstruction of Sai Siddhi on the same plot.

Today, the residents had a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He has accepted the suggestions made by me about immediate rehabilitation of residents in the tenements meant for project affected persons under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority project. These flats are just one kilometer away from Sai Siddhi.

A road map will be prepared, in association with BMC officials, in 10 days for the building's reconstruction. The government has assured all necessary assistance to the residents.

Furthermore, the CM reiterated that stern action will be taken against those responsible for the building crash. He also assured residents that he will examine whether the offence can be registered under IPC Section 302, after they brought to his notice that punishment under Section 304 (under which the occupant has been arrested) is not enough.

Your have also expressed fear about a bigger disaster waiting at Damodar Park, near Sai Siddhi. Can you tell us more?

There are 13 buildings with 13 floors each at Damodar Park at Ghatkopar (West), but occupation certificate has been given only to the first four floors. If BMC does not quickly swing into action, there will be bigger tragedy. There has been no civic action so far.

Does the structural audit get enough attention from the civic body and residents?

Residents should carry out structural audit if the building is 30 years old. Redevelopment of dilapidated buildings, which is slowed down by objections from a few residents, will become smooth as the government proposes to amend the existing law.

What steps are being initiated by the State to fast track housing development in Mumbai?

The government will receive new Development Control Rules from BMC in four days. It will chalk out future policies thereafter, as it is clear that vertical development of buildings is inevitable in view of land constraints in Greater Mumbai. While doing so, the proposed policies will take into account rules regarding environment zone, funnel zone and Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ). While encouraging high rise buildings, the focus will be on keeping aside adequate open spaces in the city.

The State will also explore developing salt pan lands and other land parcels for housing. It expects positive action from the Centre on relaxation of some norms with regard to funnel zone, salt pan lands and CRZ.