BMC files FIR against Hiranandani builders for unauthorised excavation in hilly area of Powai

The BMC received a complaint on July 3, 2023 regarding unauthorized excavation in the hilly area near a helipad in Powai from an individual. After this an inspection team was sent to the site, where a security officer for Hiranandani builders was present.

“The BMC officials on visiting the site found that soil excavation had been carried out without authorisation for a 300-metre-long, 4 to 5 metres wide, and 1 to 2 metres deep area in the hilly area near Hiranandani Helipad in Powai,” the complainant alleged in the FIR.

The inspection party submitted their report the next day. Based on this report, BMC officials issued an order under Section 354 A of the Municipal Corporation Act to stop the work at the said site.

BMC also issued a notice on July 7 to the Hiranandani Builders & Developers regarding the unauthorised excavation and a copy was also pasted at the site.

However, despite the notice, the builder continued with the unauthorised excavation work the next day.

Hence, the BMC officer approached the police and filed a complaint on Thursday.

The Hiranandani Builders and its owner have been booked under sections 52 (Penalty for unauthorised development or for use otherwise than in conformity with development plan) and 43 (Restrictions on development of land) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966 and further investigation has been initiated, said a police officer.

Commenting on the development, a company spokesperson from Hiranandani Builders, stated, “There is no unauthorised construction or excavation of any kind on the said plot. What began as a barren quarry with merely seven trees has been transformed by us into a thriving green sanctuary, home to lakhs of trees and rich biodiversity. To suggest any intent to harm the very environment we have painstakingly restored is not only inaccurate but fundamentally contrary to our core values and long-standing commitment.”