The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has warned that all unauthorised constructions across the city will face demolition, with the cost of the exercise to be recovered from owners or landowners, as the civic body comes under increasing scrutiny from the Bombay High Court over rampant illegal development.
In a public notice issued on July 27, NMMC cautioned citizens, developers and landowners against undertaking any unauthorised construction, stating that violations would attract action under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act. The civic body also urged prospective homebuyers to verify land ownership documents, Commencement Certificates (CC) and Occupation Certificates (OC) before purchasing property.
The warning follows a series of hearings in the Bombay High Court, which is monitoring action against illegal constructions in Navi Mumbai. During the latest hearing on July 21, the court termed allegations of political interference in demolition drives a “matter of serious concern” and directed the Maharashtra government to explain the action proposed against builders, developers, contractors and others involved in illegal construction activity.
The proceedings stem from an NMMC survey that identified 12,687 unauthorised structures following the High Court’s March 27, 2025 directions. Of these, 4,946 structures were found to have been constructed without any building permission from the civic body.
The High Court had earlier observed that such a large number of unauthorised buildings could not have come up without the “tacit approval” of civic officials. Following the court’s observations, NMMC initiated disciplinary proceedings against 295 serving and retired officials.
The court had also criticised the pace of action against officials, directing the civic body to expedite departmental proceedings. NMMC has since informed the court that action has begun against seven officials, with timelines fixed for completing the inquiries.
To accelerate enforcement, the civic body has instructed all eight ward offices to conduct at least 150 hearings every week on illegal construction cases. While eligible property owners can seek regularisation through the Town Planning Department, structures found to be in violation will face demolition.
The Maharashtra government has been directed to file an affidavit before the next hearing on August 11 detailing the action proposed against builders, developers, contractors and other entities involved in unauthorised construction.
