BMC Faces Backlash Over Inaction on Santacruz East Society Violations
Residents in Santacruz East have raised sharp criticism against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation over its failure to act against unauthorized construction at Hoshang Baug Cooperative Housing Society Ltd., located near Vakola Masjid. Despite explicit directives from Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, the H/East ward office has not enforced a Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act notice served more than 15 months ago.
The H/East ward office issued a formal notice under Section 53(1) and Section 52(1)(b) and (d) of the MRTP Act, 1966, to the society's chairman and treasurer in May 2025. The notice cited multiple deviations from sanctioned building plans. These included an unapproved lobby in the A-wing that violated stilt parking spaces 8 and 9, an unauthorised reduction of the B-wing lobby and storage area, and a storeroom constructed next to the lift that blocked staircase access with glass doors and furniture. The notice also highlighted that car parking spaces were reduced from 18 sanctioned slots to 15, alongside the creation of three unauthorised parking slots within mandatory open spaces.
The one-month notice required the society to restore the premises or apply for retention under Section 44, but civic officials took no enforcement steps after the deadline expired. Residents group Voice of Kalina followed up on the matter, alleging that Assistant Municipal Commissioner Mrudula Ande failed to initiate action.
Following months of inaction, Deputy Municipal Commissioner of Zone-3 Vishwas Mote sought a status report from the H/East ward on February 20, 2026. After receiving no response, Mote issued reminders on March 25 and May 20, instructing the ward office to treat the issue as urgent.
Frustrated by the ongoing delay, Voice of Kalina members and affected residents brought the case to Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide during a public grievance meeting on July 20. Bhide directed the assistant municipal commissioner to take necessary action under the MRTP Act and conclude the process within three weeks. When that deadline passed without enforcement, the administrative officer for complaint redressal at the commissioner’s office issued another directive on August 3, ordering immediate action and a compliance report.
Voice of Kalina members have alleged deliberate negligence by the ward administration, stating that structural deviations compromise fire safety and building integrity. Civic activists have demanded the immediate demolition of the unauthorised additions and sought administrative accountability for the officials who delayed enforcement.
