Curation Team
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government will not support any illegal constructions and take strict action against officials found complicit in allowing such structures to come up, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said in the legislative assembly on Monday.
Replying to a query raised by Parag Alavani (BJP) during the Question Hour, he said instructions will be issued to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner to prepare a detailed list and classification of illegal constructions in the metropolis.
“If any officer is found protecting illegal structures, stringent action will be initiated against him,” warned Shinde, who holds urban development and housing portfolios.
Members Yogesh Sagar, Jitendra Awhad, Dilip Walse Patil, Varun Sardesai, Murji Patel and Ajay Choudhary were among those who raised supplementary questions related to the issue.
Referring to actions already taken, Shinde stated that many unauthorized constructions in the adjoining Vasai-Virar region have been demolished by the local municipal corporation, while some have been spared for the time being as their owners have obtained temporary court stays.
“Once the legal stays are lifted, those structures, too, will be removed,” he said.
The deputy CM noted that due to the ongoing monsoon and habitation by people, immediate action on some unauthorized constructions has been delayed, but assured demolition drives would resume post-rainy season.
Citing a specific instance, Shinde said an unauthorized shed was found built on a BMC-owned plot in Vile Parle (East), which was demolished by the civic body on March 24, 2025.
Later, a complaint was received regarding an illegal parking facility operating on the same plot. The BMC took action and cleared the encroachment on June 3, he informed the house.
Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal said action against illegal constructions is being taken under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act.
She urged members to share specific complaints from their constituencies so that authorities concerned can take appropriate action against unauthorised structures.
“Officials responsible for failing to act will be held accountable,” Misal asserted.
