Vasai-Virar Civic Body Demolishes Four More Illegal Buildings in Agarwal Nagar

Vasai East, Mumbai, February 4, 2025 – In a continued crackdown on illegal constructions, the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) demolished four more unauthorised buildings in Agarwal Nagar on Monday. This brings the total number of buildings demolished since November 2024 to 16.

The buildings, located on a mix of private and public land, were constructed on land reserved for public amenities, according to Deepak Sawant, the Deputy Municipal Commissioner in charge of encroachments. The VVCMC had been facing resistance from residents, some of whom had raised objections to eviction notices, causing delays in the demolition process. Sawant confirmed that the occupants of the buildings were being evicted, with force being used when necessary.

“We had to wait for the right time to carry out the demolitions due to opposition from the residents,” Sawant said. “Additionally, delays were caused by the time it took to clear the debris after each demolition.”

The Agarwal Nagar area has been under scrutiny for housing numerous illegal structures. According to VVCMC, there are a total of 41 unauthorised buildings in the area. Seven were demolished in November, and five more were taken down in January. Despite the slow pace of action initially, the corporation stepped up its efforts on Monday.

“We brought in additional machinery and began demolishing two buildings simultaneously, which allowed us to raze four buildings in a single day,” Sawant added.

On Monday, distraught residents were seen sitting in the open with their belongings, watching helplessly as their homes were reduced to rubble. Many had already been displaced after the initial demolitions began in November. Some residents had set up tents in the area, while others had sought shelter in rented rooms or with friends and family.

Savitri Shinde, 43, a resident whose building was demolished on Monday, expressed her frustration. “The VVMC officers who allowed these buildings to be constructed should also face consequences. Why are we the only ones suffering?” she said.

The VVCMC's action has sparked mixed reactions, with some residents voicing anger over their forced evictions, while others have supported the demolition drive, citing concerns over illegal construction in reserved spaces.

Authorities have indicated that the demolition process will continue until all 41 illegal buildings in Agarwal Nagar are removed. With the increasing pace of demolitions, the VVCMC is determined to restore the land to its intended purpose, ensuring it is used for public amenities and infrastructure development.