71 illegal structures in CRZ razed in Mumbai…….Priyanka Sharma
Around 10,000 illegal structures burgeoning in the coastal regulation zone (CRZ) at New Link Road, Dahisar might soon be history.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has formulated a phase-wise plan to be carried out in the 50 acres of the eco-sensitive zone. The no-development zone has been chock-a-block with illegal encroachments since last 15 years.
In the last three days, we have issued 400 notices to various residential hutments. Notice period of 15 days has been given to the slum dwellers to respond, after which all illegal structures will be demolished, said PR Masurkar, assistant municipal commissioner of the R-North ward.
As per the plan the BMC officials, on Thursday, razed 71 commercial galas, which were sheltering over 200 units. These included several medical shops, eateries, warehouses and mobile shops. Meanwhile, 23 commercial structures over 23,000 sq feet area continue to exist in the area.
In Dharavis Rajiv Gandhi nagar 71 illegal residential structures were also demolished. The remaining structures have procured a stay order by producing fraudulent documents in the city civil court. Court will summon three such structures by November first week.
The demolition will be carried out in a modular way. All commercial structures will be razed, a senior civic official. By January 1, 2011 the area will be sans encroachments, he added.
Since 2000, 68 attempts to demolish the structures have been carried out. But the officials claim this attempt will be effective. The foundation of the structures is excavated. Also, the land owner will be asked to fence the cleared area and appoint security guards, added Masurkar. Meanwhile, the technology of satellite mapping has also been put to use.
Harish Pandey, secretary of New Link Residents Forum said that the slums have been putting citizens security and safety at risk.