The circular was released following requests from various local authorities in the MMRDA area to the state government for guidance on addressing illegal constructions.

The Urban Development Department (UDD) of the Maharashtra state government has released directives for all local bodies and relevant authorities to take measures against unauthorized constructions on private properties within their areas of responsibility.

The deputy secretary of UDD, Nirmal Kumar Chaudhary, issued a circular instructing local bodies, as well as planning and special planning authorities, to take action against illegal construction activities and to demolish any structures that have already been erected. He also mandated that these authorities compile an annual report detailing illegal constructions within their areas of responsibility. This report is to be presented at the general body meeting scheduled for October 1 each year. In his correspondence with the civic bodies, Chaudhary noted the significant rise in illegal constructions throughout the state and emphasized the necessity of removing those structures that cannot be regularized according to the Development Control Regulations (DSR).

The circular was released following requests from various local authorities in the MMRDA area to the state government for guidance on addressing illegal constructions. It was noted that some landowners and developers proceeded with building projects and selling apartments, fully aware that their actions breached regulations. Subsequently, they sought intervention from local bodies to take action against these unlawful structures, resulting in flat owners being left without homes, as highlighted in the circular.

“The local bodies, planning, and special planning authorities should constantly find illegal constructions in their respective jurisdictions and immediately take appropriate action. Legal cases should be registered against the landowner, contractor, or developer, and if the administrative officers delay action against such structures, strict action should be initiated against them as well. If a landowner (who approaches the local bodies seeking action against illegal structures) has not lodged a complaint about trespassing or ongoing illegal construction on his property with the appropriate authority, it should be considered that the construction was carried out with his consent, and appropriate legal action should be initiated against him, holding him responsible,”  informs the circular.

Local authorities were instructed to make efforts to assist residents whose homes were destroyed during the crackdown on illegal constructions, particularly those affected under government housing initiatives like PMAY.