NMMC Identifies 12,687 Unauthorised Constructions in Navi Mumbai

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has identified 12,687 unauthorised constructions across its jurisdiction, including 4,946 structures built without obtaining mandatory building permission. This action follows directions issued by the Bombay High Court in response to two public interest litigations (PILs) filed by Rajiv Mohan Mishra and Kishore Sundar Shetty.

The civic body has initiated hearings for all identified property owners and commenced ward-wise demolition drives as part of its compliance with court orders. The High Court directed NMMC to conduct a comprehensive survey of illegal and irregular constructions across its jurisdiction within four months and issue notices to owners or occupants before initiating demolition.

On March 27, 2025, the High Court ordered NMMC to complete the survey, which was conducted through its ward offices. The survey identified 12,687 unauthorised structures, and hearing notices have since been issued to all property owners. As per an affidavit submitted by NMMC before the Court on June 15, 2026, every ward office has been directed to conduct at least 50 hearings a day on three days every week, amounting to 150 hearings weekly.

Property owners whose constructions are eligible for regularisation have been advised to submit applications in the prescribed format along with the required documents to the Town Planning Department. The matter came up for hearing on July 7, 14, and 21, during which the High Court directed the civic body to continue removing unauthorised constructions and submit periodic compliance reports.

NMMC has accordingly begun ward-wise demolition drives. The civic body has also appealed to citizens not to purchase houses or flats without verifying the Commencement Certificate (CC), Occupancy Certificate (OC), and land ownership documents. It clarified that unauthorised structures are not provided official water supply or sewerage connections and warned that any new illegal construction would invite action under Sections 33(1)(a), 53(1)(b), and 54 of the relevant laws.

The issue of unauthorised constructions in Navi Mumbai has been a long-standing problem, with many residents and activists raising concerns about the lack of enforcement of building regulations. The Bombay High Court's intervention has led to a significant crackdown on these constructions, with NMMC taking concrete steps to address the issue.

The demolition drive is expected to have a significant impact on the city's landscape, with many unauthorised structures being razed to the ground. While this may cause inconvenience to some residents, it is a necessary step towards ensuring that the city's development is planned and regulated.

In the context of Navi Mumbai's rapid growth and urbanisation, the issue of unauthorised constructions is a critical one. The city's population has been growing rapidly, leading to a surge in demand for housing and commercial spaces. However, this demand has often been met through unauthorised constructions, which can lead to safety hazards, environmental degradation, and other problems.

The NMMC's efforts to crack down on unauthorised constructions are a welcome step towards addressing these issues. By enforcing building regulations and ensuring that constructions are carried out in a planned and regulated manner, the civic body can help create a safer, more sustainable, and more livable city for its residents.

In conclusion, the NMMC's identification of 12,687 unauthorised constructions in Navi Mumbai and its subsequent demolition drive are significant steps towards addressing the issue of unauthorised constructions in the city. While there may be challenges ahead, the civic body's efforts are a necessary step towards creating a better future for Navi Mumbai's residents.