The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has identified 12,687 unauthorised constructions across its jurisdiction and has started action against them in compliance with directions issued by the Bombay High Court. The civic body has initiated hearings for affected property owners and begun ward-wise demolition drives against illegal structures.
Of the total identified constructions, 4,946 structures were found to have been built without obtaining mandatory approvals from the civic authority. NMMC has advised owners whose properties qualify for regularisation to submit applications with the required documents to the Town Planning Department.
The action follows two public interest litigations (PILs) filed before the Bombay High Court seeking intervention against unauthorised constructions in Navi Mumbai. Rajiv Mohan Mishra had filed PIL No. 80 of 2013 along with Contempt Petition No. 562 of 2022, seeking action against illegal structures across the city. Later, Kishore Sundar Shetty filed PIL No. 111 of 2022 and Contempt Petition No. 685 of 2026, raising concerns over violations of Floor Space Index (FSI) regulations and unauthorised constructions in Low Income Group (LIG) and Middle Income Group (MIG) housing areas in Airoli, Ghansoli, Koparkhairane and Turbhe.
On March 27, 2025, the High Court directed NMMC to conduct a detailed survey of illegal and irregular constructions within four months and issue notices to owners or occupants before taking demolition action.
Following the order, NMMC’s ward offices completed the survey and identified the unauthorised structures. Hearing notices have been issued to all concerned property owners. As per an affidavit submitted before the court on June 15, 2026, ward offices have been instructed to conduct at least 50 hearings per day on three days every week, resulting in 150 hearings weekly.
The High Court, during hearings held on July 7, 14 and 21, directed NMMC to continue removing unauthorised constructions and submit regular compliance reports. The civic body has subsequently intensified its demolition operations.
NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde said, “NMMC is carrying out the High Court’s directions systematically and transparently. Citizens should refrain from undertaking unauthorised construction and ensure that all statutory approvals, including CC and OC, are verified before purchasing any property. Those eligible for regularisation should approach the Town Planning Department with the necessary documents at the earliest.”
The civic body has also warned citizens against purchasing properties without verifying the Commencement Certificate (CC), Occupancy Certificate (OC), and land ownership documents. It stated that unauthorised structures will not receive official water supply or sewerage connections and that new illegal constructions will invite action under relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act.
NMMC has urged residents to report ongoing unauthorised construction activities to their respective ward offices.
Source: The Free Press Journal
