On Wednesday, Ulhasnagar civic head Vikas Dhakne ordered the destruction of a 16-story under-construction structure that encroached on a Development Plan (DP) route. The Jhalak building’s floor plan includes 65 units and four shops.
Assistant Municipal Commissioner Ganesh Shimpi of Ward 4, where Jhalak is located, stated that the building will be demolished within a week after taking necessary security precautions.
On 15 September, former Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) commissioner Aziz Sheikh ordered developer Naresh Wadhwani to demolish 80% of the building’s encroachment areas.
He warned the developer that if it was not demolished, UMC would take the step on its own and reclaim the costs from him. The builder ignored the order.
While community activists applauded UMC, buyers of flats and shops in the building were shocked by the decision to dismantle the entire complex. According to sources, with 80% of the building encroaching on the road, UMC has no choice but to demolish it.
A former town planning officer involved in the building’s construction permission, as well as the department, is now being investigated for neglecting to thoroughly examine all paperwork and conduct a site visit.
Source: The Times of India
