RTI Bombshell: Nearly 5 Lakh Illegal Structures in Vasai-Virar, Activists Demand SIT Prob

VASAI-VIRAR: Amid mounting concerns over unchecked illegal constructions across Vasai-Virar, local activists have intensified their demand for a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to probe the alleged collusion and negligence of civic authorities. An RTI query has uncovered the existence of 4,95,285 unauthorized structures within Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) limits, all of which are reportedly being charged property tax—despite lacking legal status.

Civic activists argue that the sheer number of illegal units is putting tremendous strain on public infrastructure, including water supply, electricity, sewage systems, and transport, adversely affecting law-abiding, tax-paying residents.

Criticism has been leveled at senior VVCMC officials for their alleged failure to act against land mafia encroachments and non-compliance with judicial orders. Activist Hendriques pointed out that while over 4.9 lakh units are deemed illegal, the former municipal commissioner reported only 2,817 such structures to the court in March 2021.

“The civic body appears to be turning a blind eye to rampant encroachment and unlawful construction. An SIT must be constituted by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra to thoroughly investigate the nexus between officials and illegal developers,” said Hendriques.

Environmental activist Deepak Rao, who has filed a PIL with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding the destruction of a water body in Chinchoti (Vasai Taluka), highlighted the casual approach of VVCMC towards legal and RTI processes. He cited the case of AMC Rajendra Kadam, who was fined ₹25,000 for failing to respond to an RTI on time.

Despite ongoing legal proceedings, illegal constructions continue unabated. Activists allege that Virendra Singh, a man with multiple FIRs, has continued developing reclaimed wetland areas without any action from the civic body.

In Pelhar, Nalasopara East, Irshad Khan is accused of constructing 2–3 lakh sq. ft. of illegal commercial establishments. Despite being served with two MRTP notices, no FIR has been filed against him.

Further, around 30–35 acres of land in Wakanpada, Nalasopara East, have allegedly been illegally developed by razing hillocks, with forest land also being encroached upon within VVCMC’s jurisdiction.

Activists say the municipal corporation’s reluctance to file MRTP (Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act) cases and enforce legal measures is empowering land mafias and permanently damaging the region’s ecological and urban balance.

As demands grow louder, pressure mounts on the state government to take immediate action before irreversible damage is done to Vasai-Virar’s environment and infrastructure.