Mumbai: BMC Halts Slum Redevelopment Project in Kandivali Due to Irregularities

Pune, 27th April 2024: A slum redevelopment project led by Sai Azad Sahakari Gruhnirman Sanstha in A & B areas of Kandivali, Mumbai, has been halted due to irregularities uncovered by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Work ceased after BMC officials, led by Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, discovered discrepancies related to excessive allotments. Upon inspection, it was revealed that additional slums had been falsely reported, prompting the BMC to launch a probe into the matter.

The civic vigilance team, overseen by the BMC commissioner, conducted a site visit following allegations made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Yogesh Sagar regarding fraudulent allotments. The subsequent vigilance report exposed plans to rehabilitate slums in Sai Azad Sahakari Gruhnirman Sanstha A & B areas, yet a significant number of these were found to be falsely reported. An officer from the vigilance department disclosed that 55-60 additional slums had been fabricated to deceive the authorities.

Expressing shock at the discovery, the BJP MLA highlighted the use of identical items such as fans, taps, and doors in the fake slums, indicating collusion between civic officers and builders. Sagar emphasized the need for stringent action to prevent such fraudulent practices from recurring, asserting that all parties involved, including civic officers, Slum Rehabilitation authorities, and the builder, must be held accountable.

Avinash Tambewagh, the chief engineer of the vigilance department, reported that rooms had been partitioned within a large commercial shed using siporex blocks to create slum dwellings, with approximately 50-60 rooms constructed recently. BMC Commissioner Gagrani deemed the situation serious and called for a thorough investigation to be conducted by an inquiry officer, with a mandated report submission within a month.