Thane: Bombay High Court Summons KDMC Chief Over Humanitarian Crisis Caused by 1.6 Lakh Unauthorized Buildings

Kalyan, 4th January 2024: The Bombay High Court has summoned the municipal commissioner of Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) in response to the “humanitarian problem” triggered by over 1.6 lakh unauthorized constructions permitted by the corporation. Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor expressed deep concern over the government’s role and responsibility in allowing these constructions, raising pertinent questions during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by resident Harishchandra Mhatre.

Mhatre’s advocate, Shriram Kulkarni, highlighted the complexities of the issue, emphasizing the potential displacement of occupants if the unauthorized constructions are demolished. Advocate Jagdish Reddy, representing intervenor Dr. Sarvesh Sawant, revealed that KDMC acknowledged “1.69 lakh unauthorized structures” in November, with the government considering regularization through penalty payments.

During the proceedings, Chief Justice Upadhyaya questioned the government’s intent to regularize these constructions, putting the onus on the authorities for the existing crisis. KDMC’s advocate, A S Rao, mentioned the issuance of demolition notices but faced criticism from the court for the lack of vigilance over the years. The court directed the civic chief to present a “workable plan” on January 24 to address the immediate crisis.

In a parallel move, the court instructed the collector to nominate an officer with a “concrete plan” for the removal of unauthorized constructions on government-owned land.