MUMBAI: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to take Mumbai Police's help to tackle those who indulge in illegal constructions repeatedly, despite civic notices and action being taken against them. In an order to ward-level officers, the administration said that it was to deter others. "Often, despite notices and taking action, like demolishing the illegal structure, it springs back. To be stern with repeat offenders, notices will now be issued under MRTP Act, 1966, and police cases will be filed too," said a civic official, adding that if needed, senior civic officials will co-ordinate with the police to ensure that cases are registered.
After the recent building collapse in Dongri, which killed 13 persons, assistant municipal commissioner (B ward) Vivek Rahi was suspended. A random inspection of 10 buildings in that area by civic vigilance department found gross violation of rules, with full-fledged constructions undertaken in the name of repairs, at most structures.
Interestingly, after learning that vigilance department officers were on an inspection recently, local ward staff demolished illegal parts of two buildings.