Single resident of Charkop locality gets notice for extending height of structure, asks what about all the others who have done the same; MHADA permits extensions only up to a 1+1 format (ground plus one), but many residents have reportedly constructed second and third floors — excluding terraces
The illegal second floor and terrace of the Solankis’ house
The MHADA houses in the Charkop area of Kandivli are home to a large number of residents who have allegedly violated construction norms by extending their homes beyond the permitted structure. MHADA permits extensions only up to a 1+1 format (ground plus one), but many residents have reportedly constructed second and third floors — excluding terraces.
Recently, Shashi Solanki, a resident of Saurabh Society in Sector 3, Charkop (MHADA layout), received a show cause notice from MHADA for illegal construction. The notice was issued for an unauthorised terrace and an additional room built on top of his structure. Solanki has questioned why he was singled out when thousands of similar violations exist in the area.
The illegal extensions of the other houses in the area. Pics/By Special Arrangement
“I violated the rules, yes — but most residents here have extended their houses in the same way,” Solanki told mid-day. “When MHADA officers came to my house, they told me they had received a complaint specifically about my structure. But they ignored the neighbouring homes that have also broken the rules.”
He continued, “I have been living in this society for many years, and this is my own house. On April 28, a team of MHADA officers, along with police officials, visited my home. I fully cooperated with them. They informed me that my terrace and the room built above were illegal.”
“I pleaded with them, saying the construction was done a year ago. Why are they suddenly targeting me and my family? I am an ordinary citizen working for a construction firm. They told me either I demolish the structure myself or MHADA will do it and bill me for the cost,” he added.
The Solankis outside their house
Solanki further said, “There are numerous houses here with similar illegal extensions, yet I am the only one who received a notice on May 16. I’ve been given one month to demolish the upper floor on my own. I admit I violated the rules — but so have many others, and the violations are still continuing.”
“When MHADA officers entered the society, they failed to notice that almost every house has been extended — my neighbour’s included. I’m not accusing anyone, but I want to know: why only me? I spent lakhs on the construction. This will be a major financial loss for me,” he said. mid-day reached out to the MHADA public relations office with the following questions, but has not yet received aresponse.
Questions to MHADA
>> How many MHADA societies exist in the Charkop and Gorai areas?
>> What is the total number of rooms in these societies?
>> What are the official rules and regulations for extending a house?
>> How many residents have received demolition notices so far?
>> How many houses has MHADA taken action against to date?
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