21 August,2026 02:56 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
KDMC officials inspect an area affected by alleged illegal construction in Thane district. File pic
A senior official of the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) in Maharashtra's Thane district has been suspended over alleged negligence in preventing illegal construction, an official said on Friday.
Assistant Commissioner Jaywant Chaudhary was suspended following an inspection of the Titwala-Balyani area and surrounding localities, according to a suspension order issued on Thursday.
The action comes after concerns were raised over the alleged growth of unauthorised construction within the KDMC jurisdiction.
During the recent session of the Maharashtra legislature, lawmakers had highlighted the issue and raised concerns over alleged land mafias constructing hundreds of illegal chawls, or rows of tenements, in areas falling under the civic body's jurisdiction.
The concerns had brought renewed focus on the responsibility of civic officials to monitor construction activity and take timely action against unauthorised structures.
According to the suspension order, Chaudhary had allegedly failed to take necessary action against illegal construction despite receiving repeated oral and written directions from senior officials.
The order also referred to a show-cause notice issued in June, indicating that the official had previously been asked to explain his alleged failure to act.
Despite these directions and the notice, the official allegedly did not take appropriate action against the unauthorised construction identified in the area.
The suspension followed an inspection carried out in Titwala-Balyani and nearby areas. The civic administration subsequently initiated disciplinary action against Chaudhary.
The suspension order cited alleged negligence in carrying out official responsibilities, particularly in relation to preventing and acting against illegal construction.
The action comes amid concerns over unauthorised development and alleged encroachment on land within the KDMC limits.
The issue had also come up during discussions in the Maharashtra legislature, where lawmakers raised alarms over the alleged activities of land mafias.
They had pointed to the construction of hundreds of illegal chawls within the municipal corporation's jurisdiction.
The latest suspension indicates action against a civic official over alleged failure to respond to the problem despite instructions from senior authorities.
Further details regarding disciplinary proceedings and action against the illegal structures were not immediately available.
(With inputs from PTI)
