TMC chief takes stern note of illegal constructions in city

Thane: Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar has taken stern note of the rampant illegal constructions in Thane and suburbs and has warned of holding assistant commissioners and ward officers accountable for any untoward incident including loss of life reported due to such structures in their respective areas, officials said.
The decision was taken during a review meeting about the ongoing action against unauthorised constructions. He expressed ire about how the illegal activities were continuing unchecked.
“It seems the concerned departments aren’t acting against illegal constructions. Neglecting such constructions can lead to unfortunate events including loss of life. Action on such illegal structures should be taken on a daily basis rather than restricted to complaints or drives. Assistant commissioner and ward officers will now be personally responsible for any inaction against illegal constructions in their respective wards and also for any eventuality related to them,” said Bangar.
He also defined a mitigation plan to eradicate such structures by forming beats within each ward and appointing teams to survey and alert seniors of any illegal constructions. The ward officer will ascertain the legality of any constructions and if found illegal, will take action. An independent system for encroachment removal in each ward including deploying additional manpower, police and machinery will also be set. “Concerned assistant commissioners will prepare summary of complaints related to unauthorised structures in their wards, visit the site, and take action. Daily report will be sent and scrutinised by civic headquarters. Any official found flouting protocol, will face action,” said official.
Netas and activists have welcomed the move saying it will break the alleged nexus between civic officials and those involved in illegal constructions.