BMC Officer Disobeys Commissioner's Order On Kalina Construction

A controversy has erupted in Kalina, Mumbai, over the alleged failure of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to act against unauthorised construction at the Hoshang Baug Cooperative Housing Society Ltd. The society, located near Vakola Masjid in Santacruz East, was issued a notice under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act in May 2025.

The notice, served by the H/East ward office, cited several deviations from the sanctioned building plans, including the construction of an unapproved lobby and the reduction of stilt parking spaces. The society was given a month to either restore the premises to its approved plan or apply for retention under Section 44 of the MRTP Act.

However, despite the notice, the civic body took no enforcement action, prompting the residents group Voice of Kalina (VoK) to follow up on the matter. The group alleged that the assistant municipal commissioner (AMC) of the H/East ward, Mrudula Ande, did not take any interest in taking action.

The matter was then taken up by the deputy municipal commissioner (DMC) of Zone-3, Vishwas Mote, who requested a status report from the AMC on February 20, 2026. However, the ward office remained silent, prompting the DMC to issue urgent reminders on March 25 and May 20.

The issue was finally raised with municipal commissioner Ashwini Bhide during a public grievance meeting on July 20. Bhide instructed the AMC to take further necessary action and conclude the process within three weeks. However, the deadline lapsed without progress, forcing the administrative officer for complaint redressal at the municipal commissioner’s office to issue another stern directive on August 3.

The directive instructed the AMC to take immediate action on the notice issued under the MRTP Act. The residents of Kalina are frustrated with the inaction of the BMC officer and are demanding that the civic body take immediate action to address the issue.

The controversy highlights the systemic failure of the BMC to act against unauthorised construction in the city. The residents of Kalina are concerned that the lack of action by the civic body will embolden other builders to flout the rules, leading to further chaos and congestion in the area.

The BMC has been facing criticism for its handling of unauthorised construction in the city. The civic body has been accused of being slow to act against errant builders, allowing them to continue with their illegal activities.

The issue has also raised questions about the accountability of BMC officers. The residents of Kalina are demanding that the civic body take action against the AMC for failing to follow the directives of the municipal commissioner.

The controversy is likely to have significant implications for the residents of Kalina and the city at large. The lack of action by the BMC has created a sense of uncertainty and frustration among the residents, who are demanding that the civic body take immediate action to address the issue.

In conclusion, the controversy over the unauthorised construction at the Hoshang Baug Cooperative Housing Society Ltd. highlights the need for the BMC to take immediate action to address the issue. The civic body must ensure that its officers are held accountable for their actions and that the rules and regulations are enforced strictly.