The Panvel Municipal Corporation on Thursday demolished portions of 80 flats spread across four unauthorised floors of the L.K. Vivanta building in Sector 22, Kamothe, after finding that the construction exceeded the approved building plan.
The action covered floors 12 to 15 of the building, which stands on Plot Nos. 73 and 74 in Sector 22. The building had permission for 11 floors, while four additional floors were constructed without approval. Each of the two wings had 10 flats on each of the four unauthorised floors, bringing the total number of affected flats to 80.
The demolition followed notices issued by the civic body and directions to stop the construction. After a hearing, the municipal corporation had also ordered that the unauthorised construction be removed voluntarily. In a notice issued on August 20, the corporation warned that it would undertake demolition under provisions of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act and the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966. It also stated that the cost of the action would be recovered from the parties concerned.
The civic administration said the related company had approached the Bombay High Court seeking a stay on the action, but no stay had been granted. Following the reported publication of the issue, Panvel Mayor Nitin Patil met Municipal Commissioner Mangesh Chitale and sought action. Commissioner Chitale subsequently ordered enforcement proceedings, which were carried out under the leadership of Additional Commissioner Maheshkumar Meghmale.
During Thursday’s operation, civic officials demolished kitchens, internal walls and toilets in the flats located on the four unauthorised floors. The corporation took precautions because developers had raised concerns that demolition could damage the approved 11 floors below. The operation was conducted with attention to the possibility of affecting the sanctioned portion of the building.
Officials present during the action included Additional Commissioner Meghmale, Deputy Commissioner Ravikiran Ghodke, Assistant Commissioner Dr Rupali Mane and Amar Patil, head of the unauthorised construction department. Police officials were also present during the demolition.
The Panvel Municipal Corporation said action against unauthorised constructions would continue. The report did not specify the next legal or administrative steps for occupants of the affected flats, nor did it provide details of any compensation or rehabilitation arrangement.
