In 4 months, 280 illegal structure complaints filed in K-east ward

Following the Mumbra building collapse, which claimed the lives of 74 people, the civic body has come under fire for the several illegal and unauthorised structures standing tall in the city. According to an RTI activist, over 280 complaints of illegal constructions in the K-east ward itself have been registered from October to January, this year.

TMC demolished several illegal under-construction structures near the seven-storey building that collapsed last Thursday, killing 74 people and injuring many others. Pic/Sameer Markande

According to RTI activist Aziz Amreliwala, 280 complaints have been filed from the K-east ward, which comprises of areas in Vile Parle (East), Andheri (East) and Jogeshwari (East). He added that these complaints have been filed in just a four-month span and no action has been taken against them. He further said that despite complaints, the civic body has failed to take any action against the illegal structures.

According to Amreliwala, the complaints have remained unaddressed ever since Bhagyashri Kapse, the new ward officer, took over from October 12, 2012. The areas also house several illegal slums but action is yet to be taken against the shanties.

Amreliwala told MiD DAY, "Since January, at least another 200 more complaints about illegal structures have been registered. But, the BMC is not bothered in addressing the issue as the structures continue to stand tall. Since Kapse has come into power, no corrective measures have been taken."

The other side
Despite repeated attempts Ward Officer Bhagyashri Kapse remained unavailable for comment. T Gaikwad, assistant engineer, Building and Factory department, said, "We attend to all complaints on a regular basis and we take action against the complaints that come to use. In case, action is not taken, we inspect the situation and take the required action."u00a0