PCMC hardens stand, says will demolish all 36 illegal structures today

In July last year, the National Green Tribunal had first ordered the PCMC to demolish the structures as they violated the environmental laws. The NGT had also imposed Rs 5 crore cost on the residents for damaging the environment. When the residents appealed in the Supreme Court, the apex had first stayed the NGT order but later upheld the NGT order as well as the costs imposed.

Nikam said 29 residents had approached the Supreme Court. ”In all, there are at least 35 illegal structures besides one resident who has constructed the structure up to the plinth. All the 36 structures will be razed tomorrow,” he said.

Nikam said the affected residents had even gone to the Bombay HC to get the civic action stayed today. ”As per our information, their plea has been rejected by the high court. There are no hurdles now,” he said.

When asked whether PCMC was prepared to postpone the action in view of the persistent demand from the aggrieved residents as monsoon was approaching, Nikam said, ”We will go by the Supreme Court order. The SC has upheld the National Green Tribunal order of July, 2024 to demolish the structures.”

Meanwhile, a day before the demolitions, residents were busy packing their household items and other material and transporting them to either relative’s homes or rented accommodation. With PCMC officials severing water connections and MSEDCL disconnecting power connections, the aggrieved residents say they are left with no choice.

Ganesh Khule, who had invested Rs 1 crore in buying the 1.5 guntha plot of land and constructing the two-storeyed structure said, ”We have been urging the PCMC to give us some time at least till monsoon gets over. Even the Supreme Court order says PCMC should carry out the demolitions within 6 months of the uploading of its order on May 9. Then why is the PCMC in such a hurry? Does it not have a heart for its own people?” he said.

Jayant Patil, another resident, said, none of the residents have found alternate permanent accommodations. ”Most of the residents had either sold their old homes or jewellery. Now we don’t have a roof over our head. I doubt any one of us has another accommodation,” he said.

Former MP Shivajirao Adhalrao-Patil said, ”I am trying to get in touch with the Chief Minister to get the action postponed as it has been raining for the last few days and the residents have nowhere to go. Besides, the Supreme Court has given six months time to PCMC to carry out the action.”