Mulund residents irked by construction on forest land

A few days ago, Mulund resident noticed construction activity at one of the partially-constructed three-storey building in Veena Nagar phase II. They were taken by surprise as the area has been declared forest land by the state forest department.

A few days ago, Mulund resident noticed construction activity at one of the partially-constructed three-storey building in Veena Nagar phase II. They were taken by surprise as the area has been declared forest land by the state forest department.

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Residents suspected that the developer had resumed work clandestinely, which neither the forest department nor the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had noticed.

“We intimated the building proposal department of the BMC soon after learning about the development. The officials assured us that they would order demolition of the security unit on the building premises that was being constructed,” said Mahavir Urs, resident of Mulund.

The BMC, however, has gone soft on the developer by giving a verbal notice. Confirming that construction activity had begun, an official from the BMC’s building proposal department said: “We have asked the builder to remove the structure that was built recently. Stop work notices have been issued to all such constructions on forest land. If any further construction is reported, we will decide on further action.”

“Many people who invested in these properties have been left stranded because of the court’s decision. When all other constructions have been stopped, how can the BMC allow construction on this building to start again? It would be contempt of court if the BMC does not act stringently,” said a resident, who did not wish to be named.