An gathering of society representatives and flat owners packed PEATA’s (Practising Engineers, Architects and Town Planners Association) free awareness seminar on the BMC amnesty scheme held in Dadar on Tuesday, addressing Mumbai’s 19,000 buildings lacking Occupancy Certificates (OC). This followed mid-day’s October 31 report on the scheme’s dismal uptake, which highlighted PEATA’s pro bono initiative in the larger public interest.

Ward-level drives

Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburbs Ashish Shelar delivered an address emphasising the urgent need to grant OCs to all affected residents. He urged ward-level drives to reach trapped occupants. However, organisers and civic representatives noted public outreach is the municipal body’s duty, comparing it to how the Income Tax Department aggressively advertises tax amnesties.