BMC cracks down on structures violating CRZ norms in Versova
The state Forest Department's Mangrove Cell will be responsible for restoration of mangroves after the demolition is done and debris is lifted.
BMC has taken a tough stand against 350 illegal structures violating coastal regulatory zone (CRZ) norms in Aaram Nagar, Versova, by undertaking a demolition drive against the illegal structures. The Collector (suburban) has also decided to demolish illegal parts of 53 structures, which includes illegal extensions carried out by Kapil Sharma at his residence in SVP Nagar in Versova.The state Forest Department's Mangrove Cell will be responsible for restoration of mangroves after the demolition is done and debris is lifted.Parag Masurkar, Assistant Commissioner, K-west ward said that the demolition had begun at Aaram Nagar. "We have completed all the procedures of sending notices and are now pulling down the parts of the structure which are illegally extended. Our staff, along with the MHADA officials, have conducted a survey and the illegal parts have been identified by MHADA authorities. We are just facilitating with the demolition work", said Masurkar.Assistant Commissioner Masurkar said that the demolition of at least 90 structures was already done, and demolition of others would soon be completed too.Meanwhile, the Collector's office has finally decided to start the process of demolition of around 53 illegal structures on CRZ land in SVP Nagar in Versova after the State Environment Department received a complaint from a social activist. The Collector's office will now seek help from the BMC as the local civic body is supposed to carry out the demolition. Actor and comedian Kapil Sharma also owns two structures in SVP Nagar.Last year, Sharma had tweeted that civic officials had asked for a bribe to turn a blind eye to illegal extensions. After the tweet went viral, the Revenue Department, Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), BMC, and MHADA swung into action. Now these four agencies will be responsible for taking necessary actions for demolishing the structures."We have taken a decision to demolish the illegal structures. We had earlier demanded that MHADA initiates action on structures that violate CRZ norms, and they were expected to lodge an FIR against those who have violated the law. However, we went ahead and lodged the FIR with the police after waiting for 15 days," said Deependra Singh Kushwah, Mumbai Suburban Collector."We have asked the civic authorities to take action against the illegal parts of the structures," he said.