Thousands in Vasai-Virar await relief as govt steps in over OC issue

A resident reacts emotionally as civic workers carry out the demolition of unauthorised buildings under the jurisdiction of Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation in 2024. Representation pic/PTI

Thousands of families in Vasai-Virar could finally see relief from a long-standing housing compliance issue, with the state government stepping in to address the Occupancy Certificate (OC) crisis affecting the rapidly growing region.

Despite being fully occupied, nearly half the buildings in the area reportedly lack the mandatory OC, leaving residents in a regulatory grey zone and exposing them to higher utility charges, difficulty securing loans and potential civic penalties.

The government has now directed the divisional commissioner to convene a meeting of stakeholders, while also examining the possibility of an amnesty scheme similar to the one in Mumbai to regularise buildings.

What the MLA demanded

BJP MLA Sneha Dube Pandit raised the issue in the state Assembly

Key demands:
>> Introduce an amnesty scheme for buildings without OC
>> Provide relief to affected residents
>> Conduct an inquiry against erring civic officials
"Citizens are suffering through no fault of theirs. The government should come out with a solution that brings relief to thousands of residents," Pandit said

Government response

Urban Development Minister of State Madhuri Misal said developers who got commencement certificates did not apply for OCs to avoid penalties

Steps announced:
>> Divisional Commissioner to convene a meeting
>> Govt to examine a Mumbai-style amnesty scheme

Residents living in buildings without OC often face:

Higher utility charges
Buildings may be charged higher water rates

Risk of penalties
Civic bodies can impose fines or take legal action

Loan difficulties
Banks may refuse home or mortgage loans

Lower property value
Flats often sell at lower prices than market rates

Insurance issues
Insurance companies may reject claims in case of accidents

Officials say the proposed measures could determine whether thousands of homes in Vasai-Virar can finally be regularised after years of uncertainty

Why OC matters

An occupancy certificate (OC) confirms that a building has been constructed according to the approved plans and complies with safety regulations before the residents move in

OC crisis: At a glance

Indicator Numbers
Buildings granted Commencement ~2300
Certificate (CC) since 2009
Buildings that obtained OC ~1200
Buildings without OC ~1100
Percentage without OC Nearly 50%