NMC neglects HC orders, continues to protect unauthorized constructions

Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has continued to protect unauthorized constructions despite the high court’s orders. In some cases, the civic body is taking little action but claiming that total action has been taken. After a delay of eight years, the NMC went on to demolish very little part of three unauthorized duplexes at Sonegaon and claimed the course of action ‘was complete’.
In October last year, the HC had directed the NMC to ensure removal of encroachments, unauthorized constructions or illegal usages in parking spaces of buildings within six weeks. In name of action, the NMC had demolished some unauthorized constructions. The NMC had not even touched unauthorized constructions done by influential persons.
Best examples are Purti Super Bazaar constructed in the parking space of Scientific Society Hall at Aath Rasta Square, commercial use of parking space at Tajshree Honda at Deo Nagar, Scientific Society’s unauthorized banquet hall constructed on playground etc
However, the cases in which the NMC claims to initiate action also suspicious. RTI activist TH Naidu had lodged series of complaints against grabbing of some part of Saptashrungi Layout’s open space by developer for last eight years. Taking some cognizance, the NMC freezer four plots in the layout as against short of open space. Prior to the decision, the developer had constructed residential duplexes on three of total four plots that too without release of plots and building plan sanction.
In 2008, the NMC Laxmi Nagar Zone had served notice on the developer under section 53 (1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act directing to demolish the duplexes and keep the plots open. The NMC was supposed to take action in case the developer fails to comply with the notice. The NMC never took any action.
Naidu continued to lodge complaints. Few days ago, team from NMC Laxmi Nagar Zone went to the three duplexes with a JCB machine. Very few part of duplexes were touched by the JCB machine. Then the team returned.
“I inquired with the engineers of NMC Laxmi Nagar zone about the reason behind not taking total action. Engineers had to say they were not having enough machinery to demolish the constructions totally,” Naidu said.
The NMC team in fact had worsened the situation in the layout. Big sized concrete pieces are hanging at the duplexes. It is posing threat to citizens and cattle in the residential area. Besides, the debris of construction material lying abandoned at the spot is creating an ideal place for water logging, garbage and breeding of mosquitoes.
Official from NMC Laxmi Nagar Zone told TOI that total action was taken in the case. “Our work is to take action in such manner that the unauthorized structure cannot be brought into use. We informed the developer to demolish remaining structure,” he said.
Naidu said four plots were held back by the NMC in lieu of short of open space. “It is NMC’s responsibility to clear the structures in case the developer fails to comply. NMC is supposed to lodge FIR with the police and also recover charges of demolition. But the NMC is neglecting these actions too,” he said.