BJP MLA raps civic body for illegal constructions in city

Thane: Taking a serious view of unauthorised and sprawling illegal constructions in Thane city, BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar rapped Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) administration for the unchecked structures mushrooming in the city.
Kelkar accused the TMC of turning blind eye towards the illegal constructions and said that he shall continue tirade against the illegal constructions.
“During the pandemic such constructions have sprung up drastically but the action taken by the TMC officials of different ranking is just an eye wash or rather they have avoided taking any action,” Kelkar said.
Once the residents come to live in such buildings, it is difficult to act against such constructions, he added.
The MLA further added that he met the former municipal commissioner who assured strict action against such constructions.
The illegal constructions are on the rise at various locations in Balkum, Kalwa, Kharegaon , Diva, Mumbra, Ghodbunder road etc., according to Kelkar.
He questioned that if the neighbouring Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal corporation can suspend civic officials of deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner rankings, why no action is taken against civic officials supporting the illegal constructions.
“Why no MRTP cases are registered against the builders, this clearly indicates that there is an unholy nexus of the civic officials with the builders constructing the illegal buildings,” he said, adding, many government owned plots are usurped for the illegal constructions which is a serious issue.
The illegal construction is straining the basic necessities of the taxpayers as in case of water supplies it hits those living in legal constructions. In the last assembly session, Kelkar had pointed out that no action was taken despite showing the illegal structure standing tall in full public glare. He had accused a civic official Mahesh Aher aiding the illegal constructions.