Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation Demolishes 34 Illegal Buildings in Nalasopara

Virar: In a major operation, the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) demolished 34 illegal buildings in Nalasopara, including 21 flats, as part of a court-mandated drive to remove encroachments on land reserved for municipal utilities. The demolition, which started on January 23, has affected over 1,000 families living in unauthorised structures in Agrawal Nagari and Laxmi Nagar areas.

The land in question, previously designated for a dumping ground and a sewage treatment plant (STP), was being occupied by illegal constructions that had been built over the years. The Bombay High Court had issued a directive to the VVMC, mandating the removal of these encroachments to make way for critical public infrastructure.

The affected families, who had settled in these areas for years, were given notices by the VVMC to vacate the properties by January 22, 2025. Despite their long-standing residence, the notices informed them that the land is earmarked for important civic projects.

To ensure the smooth execution of the demolition drive, over 400 police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order and prevent any potential conflicts. The demolition is being carried out in stages, with more buildings expected to be cleared on January 24, 27, and 28, in adherence to the court’s ruling.

Mohan Sankhe, Assistant Municipal Commissioner of Vasai Virar City Corporation, confirmed that the 34 demolished buildings were primarily located in Nalasopara East, in the Laxmi Nagar and Agrawal Nagari areas. He explained that the land is critical for the city’s waste management and sewage treatment needs.

“This drive is crucial for the development of our city’s infrastructure. The land we are reclaiming is meant for vital public services, and we are committed to clearing all illegal encroachments as per the Bombay High Court’s order,” Sankhe said.

This demolition comes as part of a larger effort by the VVMC to tackle illegal construction activities, which have long posed challenges for urban planning and development in Maharashtra.

Earlier in January, a similar anti-encroachment drive was carried out in Pune’s Wakad and Dange Chowk areas by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).

The ongoing demolition drive in Nalasopara highlights the growing concerns over improper land use and the need for urban governance to address the increasing problem of illegal constructions in the state. The VVMC has stated that the drive will continue until all illegal structures are removed, ensuring that the land is restored to its intended use for public infrastructure projects.