The Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) has issued eviction notices to over 2,500 families residing in 41 unauthorised buildings situated on private and civic land in Agrawal Nagari, Nalasopara (East). These notices, which were distributed on July 2 following a directive from the Bombay High Court, mandate that residents vacate their premises within 24 hours. However, VVMC officials have indicated that they are awaiting police protection before proceeding with the eviction process.
The writ petition that instigated this action was filed in December 2022 by three elderly brothers, Mohanlal Patel (79), Ramanlal Patel (77), and Dhirajlal Patel (66), who are currently residing in Canada and New Zealand. The brothers had entrusted their youngest sibling, Ramdas Patel (67), a resident of Vasai, with power of attorney, which was subsequently granted to his son Piyush and Ajay Sharma. The illegal constructions in question span a vast area of 60 acres, including 30 acres of private plots allegedly encroached upon by Sitaram Gupta, a former corporator of the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi. Gupta was arrested by the Economic Offences Wing in September of last year in connection with this case. The petitioners claim ownership of the property since 1977, noting that the land is classified as wetlands. In the 2010 development plan, their entire land was reserved for a dumping ground and a sewage treatment plant without any prior notice or compensation provided to them.
The first complaint regarding illegal constructions by the land mafia was lodged in January 2008. Subsequently, in 2013-14, following a writ petition by Harit Vasai Saurakshan Smriti, 200 structures were demolished. Despite this action, illegal chawls continued to be constructed on the site over the years. The recent eviction notices have created a sense of panic and uncertainty among the residents, primarily from the labour class, who have been living in the area for the past 15 years. These families are now demanding alternative accommodation from the government to mitigate the impact of this sudden eviction order.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges posed by illegal constructions in rapidly urbanising areas and the need for robust legal and administrative measures to ensure fair and lawful use of land. The VVMC and other relevant authorities must balance the enforcement of property laws with the humanitarian needs of the affected residents, ensuring that their rights and livelihoods are adequately protected during such transitions.
