Satellite images used to demolish illegal structure

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished two commercial structures in Dahisar on Tuesday, as they were in violation of the Coastal Regulatory Zone I (CRZ-I) norms.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished two commercial structures in Dahisar on Tuesday, as they were in violation of the Coastal Regulatory Zone I (CRZ-I) norms.

HT Image

The demolition was conducted after the Dindoshi court lifted the stay on the demolition on basis of Geo satellite images of the area taken in 2000.

It’s the first time that satellite images were produced in court as proof to bring down an illegal structure.

Both structures, one godown measuring 2,500 sq ft and one shop measuring 1,000 sq ft, that were demolished in Ganpat Patil Nagar on New Link Road in Dahisar belonged to one Ramabai Bhandari.

The satellite images, which were produced by New Link Road Residents Forum (NLRRF), proved to be strong evidence of the structures not being there in 2000 as against the documents produced, which showed that the structures were there since 1976.

The documents were forged to prove the presence of the structure in 1976.

“If we, as an NGO, could use these images as a strong proof, then the municipal body can make positive use of it,” said Harish Pandey, member, NLRRF.

“We could prove with the satellite images that the godown was illegal and not there since 1976, as the owner claimed,” said Parag Masurkar, ward officer, R-North ward.