The P-North ward of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), encompassing Malad, Madh, and Kurar, has uncovered approximately 123 properties constructed using forged maps. So far this month, the ward office has demolished 24 such unauthorised structures, with notices issued to the owners of the remaining properties, stated Kundan Valvi, Assistant Municipal Commissioner of P-North ward.
Valvi highlighted that this ward has a notably higher number of such properties compared to other civic wards in Mumbai, particularly bungalows where map forgery is prevalent. “Most of these structures are concentrated in Madh and Kurar. Given the scenic surroundings, owners often extend their properties illegally. Several bungalows are also used for film and television shoots. We have issued show-cause notices to the respective owners,” he explained.
On 17 May, The Free Press Journal reported that Bollywood actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty received a show-cause notice from the BMC for allegedly constructing an illegal ground-floor extension on a plot in Erangle village, Madh. The notice requires him to justify the modifications, failing which the structure faces demolition at his own risk. The civic body also warned of possible legal action.
Violations of this nature attract penalties and imprisonment under Section 475A of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act.
Earlier, on 13 May, the BMC disclosed that it had identified 101 such forged structures in Madh over the past year. Among those demolished was a bungalow used for shooting the popular Marathi serial Tujhi Majhi Jamli Jodi, which had been in use for over a year. The owner has been issued a show-cause notice for building beyond the approved map.
The BMC remains committed to taking strict action against all unauthorised constructions in the P-North ward.
Source: The Free Press Journal.
