The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has commenced the demolition of unauthorised and illegal structures under its jurisdiction, adhering to a directive from the Bombay High Court. However, as the demolition drive unfolds, numerous residents of occupied buildings have approached the KDMC, requesting regularisation of their properties.
The High Court has mandated a three-month timeline for demolishing illegal constructions, acting on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by architect Sandeep Patil from Dombivli. The PIL revealed unauthorised constructions in 27 villages within Kalyan and Ambernath talukas, where developers allegedly exploited forged documents to bypass compliance. Dr Indu Rani Jakhar, KDMC commissioner, reported that of the 65 structures listed in the PIL, only 58 fell under KDMC’s jurisdiction, with the remaining overseen by MIDC and MMRDA. Among the 58, one structure was never built, leaving 57 for action. “So far, six fully unoccupied structures have been demolished, and partial demolition has been initiated for four partly occupied buildings. Notices have been served to vacate the remaining occupied buildings,” she stated.
The commissioner clarified that the demolition costs would be recovered from the developers, with records reflecting these charges in the property tax ledger. This ensures that developers or landowners clear dues before obtaining any future approvals from KDMC. Amid the demolition, some residents have raised concerns about wrongful inclusion in the unauthorised list or requested regularisation of their properties. Dr Jakhar assured that all requests would undergo thorough legal scrutiny. However, she emphasised that residents in unauthorised buildings are ineligible for state rehabilitation programmes, urging prospective buyers to exercise due diligence before investing. Dr Jakhar highlighted that many of these constructions date back to pre-2020, when local Gram Panchayats and Zilla Parishads managed planning, and KDMC lacked jurisdiction. Delays in demolition post-March 2024 were attributed to election-related restrictions and monsoon norms, but the corporation is now utilising the limited time before upcoming civic elections.
To assist future buyers, KDMC is developing a unique project identification system, allowing citizens to verify project details online via their website. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and safeguard buyer interests. The KDMC is preparing its status report for submission to the High Court, detailing demolished structures and potential regularisation cases. This report will play a pivotal role in addressing legal and resident concerns in the region.
