Allegations of widespread illegal construction in Vasai-Virar dominated discussions in the state legislative assembly, with local MLAs claiming that nearly half the buildings in the city lack proper authorisation. In response, the Maharashtra government announced that a new development plan (DP) will be prepared and that an Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer will be appointed as commissioner of the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) to strengthen urban planning.
Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal said the government had already issued a notification for the new DP in October 2025. She was responding to concerns raised by legislators about poor planning and weak administrative oversight in the fast-growing region.
BJP MLA Sneha Pandit Dube said, “Vasai Virar is considered the breathing zone of Mumbai, but the illegal construction in the city has put this oxygen zone in danger.”
MLA Rajan Naik highlighted the scale of the issue, stating that out of 972 plots reserved for public and social amenities, 329 have been encroached upon. He further claimed that of the nearly one million buildings in the city, around 499,000 are illegal.
“The city has turned into a mess in the past two decades owing to improper town planning. The development plan for 2001-21 ended five years ago, but no new plan is in place, although several major infrastructure projects such as the bullet train and the Virar-Vadodara Expressway are passing through the city,” Naik said.
Naik also criticised the Slum Rehabilitation Authority for failing to redevelop ageing structures and called for the introduction of a cluster redevelopment policy. He further raised concerns about the consultant handling the DP process, alleging corruption cases and lack of expert representation in the committee, stating, “The committee must be replaced.”
Responding to the concerns, Misal said delays in preparing the new DP had been addressed and that officials have now been appointed to expedite the process. She added that DP preparation typically takes three years and assured that the government aims to complete it within the stipulated timeline.
MLAs also demanded a joint meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to address the issues. MLA Yogesh Sagar emphasised the need for experienced IAS officers in municipal leadership, arguing that appointing such officials would improve planning and governance in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Misal confirmed that IAS officers will be appointed to head key municipal corporations, including Vasai-Virar, and said a review meeting chaired by Eknath Shinde will be held after the budget session.
Source: Hindustan Times
