Pranav Birje | Senior Correspondent
“If some builders have constructed buildings illegally, innocent citizens should not bear the consequences” – Gopal Shetty
Former MP Gopal Shetty writes to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister
Borivali: Due to the declaration of some high-rise buildings in Thane, Mumbra, and Shil areas as illegal by the administration, the residents of these buildings are now under the threat of losing the roof over their heads. Considering the possible danger of innocent residents being punished for the mistakes made by certain builders, former North Mumbai MP Gopal Shetty has written a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, drawing their attention to this issue in the public interest.
In his letter, public representative Gopal Shetty states that the citizens living in these multi-storey buildings in the Mumbra-Shil area have purchased their homes by paying hard-earned money. If some builders have constructed buildings illegally, their wrongdoing should not be blamed on innocent buyers.
According to Shetty, the buildings that have been constructed illegally in the Mumbra-Shil area should undergo proper scrutiny, and their regularization should be considered. Moreover, the builders responsible for these illegal constructions should be compelled by the government to surrender an equal portion of land. If they refuse, the government should take strict action against them.
Further in the letter, Shetty mentions that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned “Housing for All”, and Maharashtra has already taken significant steps toward this objective. In 2018, the state government passed a law in the Legislative Assembly, and from time to time, it has also issued government resolutions to allow regulation of houses built on government land.
Of particular significance is the Government Resolution dated 17th November 2018, applicable to the rest of Maharashtra excluding Mumbai, which is considered historic. It allows for regularization of constructions up to 1,500 sq. ft., with no fees applicable for up to 500 sq. ft., and for constructions between 501 and 1,500 sq. ft., fees are charged as per the government’s prescribed rates.
According to Shetty, Maharashtra is a state that respects the rule of law, and all of us honor court judgments. However, even courts sometimes take practical realities into account while delivering judgments. One such example is from Kandivali, where after the Mumbai High Court gave a decision regarding a pond, the Supreme Court allowed the status quo to remain on the construction and permitted the development of the pond elsewhere. This not only prevented wastage of public funds but also helped in enhancing citizen facilities.
In conclusion, Shetty has urged that a “multi-party committee” should be formed to look into this matter, and that citizens must also show willingness to provide financial contributions if needed. He believes that if efforts are made to legalize and justify the issue, a resolution can definitely be achieved. He has requested the authorities to take this matter seriously and make an appropriate decision. If required, he has also expressed willingness to participate in any joint meeting organized on this issue.
What Is the Fault of Residents in Illegal Buildings of Thane, Mumbra, and Shil? – Gopal Shetty
