Bldg was illegal, part of it razed in 2010: NMMC

Navi Mumbai: Constructed in 2009, the structure that collapsed in Belapur was illegal, according to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation. A partial demolition was conducted by the civic body in 2010, which many said was an eyewash. A notice was also served by the civic body in 2011, but no further action was taken against the dilapidated building in the last 14 years.
Activists allege the civic body did not act even though there was no court stay on demolition and have demanded action against erring officials. The building had four rooms on each floor, while the ground floor had one room and three shops.
Activist Anarjit Chauhan alleged, “Civic chief, his deputy, head of the department and ward office are duty bound to register criminal offences. NMMC neither filed any caveat in court nor took any action against illegalities.”
Municipal commissioner Kailas Shinde said, “The villagers construct houses on their own without following due procedure. There are many such constructions.” — Umesh K Parida