July 21, 2025: An illegal structure near Vijay Fire Road in Chandivli continues to stand, despite repeated complaints from residents and notices issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA). Concerns about the construction were first highlighted in a report published on June 10. However, residents allege that no concrete action has been taken on the ground since then.
The structure, reportedly built over the past few months, is said to have come up without the necessary permissions from the BMC or any planning authorities. Residents of Woodland Heights CHS claim that their building’s retaining walls have been used to support the unauthorised construction. “The structure is so close to houses in one of the wings of our building that their privacy is completely compromised,” said Pramila Jain, a resident.
Frustrated by the inaction, residents are planning to protest today, demanding immediate intervention. “The BMC has the power to demolish unauthorised structures at the owner’s expense. How can MHADA erect a structure without IOD, commencement certificate, fire NOC, or plan approval from BMC?” asked Makkar.
According to Dhanaji Herlekar, the L ward officer, BMC has sent multiple letters to MHADA seeking an explanation. “They have not responded yet. We have closed the residents’ complaint as we have done our part of sending notices. If we do not get any response for more days, further actions will have to be taken after we discuss the matter with higher officials,” he said.
The structure has been flagged for multiple violations, including the absence of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire Department, lack of plan approval from the BMC, and no Commencement Certificate. It was also constructed without obtaining the mandatory Intimation of Disapproval (IOD). Additionally, the construction fails to comply with DCPR 2034 norms, which mandate adequate open spaces on all sides of the building and the use of RCC for staircases.
Source: Mid-day
