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Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Maharashtra Speaker asks govt to submit report on illegal constructions in Mumbai
Mumbai: Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Monday directed the state govt to submit an action taken report on illegal constructions across various wards in Mumbai before the ongoing monsoon session of the legislature ends on Friday. Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde said that he will give directions to municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to make a category-wise list of illegal construction and take action against them. Shinde also said in case there is any delay in taking action or attempting to protect illegal structures, stern action will be taken against the concerned assistant municipal commissioners of the wards. Shinde was replying to a question raised by BJP MLA Parag Alvani on illegal construction on a BMC plot in Vile Parle. "After it was noticed that a shed was illegally constructed on plot No. 256 owned by BMC in Vile Parle (East), action was taken by BMC to demolish it on March 24, 2025. Thereafter, after BMC received a complaint about the encroachment of unauthorised parking on the said plot, the encroachment of unauthorised parking was removed on June 3, 2025. Currently, there is no encroachment of any kind on the said plot," Shinde said in his written reply. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar and NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad said that under current laws, there is a provision to suspend or file criminal cases against the assistant municipal commissioner and senior police inspector in case there is repeated illegal construction in their jurisdictions and demanded that such stern action be taken against officials. MLAs Murji Patel, Amin Patel, Ajay Chaurdhary, and Atul Bhatkhalkar also spoke about rampant illegal construction in the city and the failure of the BMC to take timely action. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Shinde said that the action taken report on all illegal constructions pointed out by MLAs will be submitted in the assembly. Narwekar also directed that the BMC must fast-track the shifting of projected affected persons (PAPs) on footpaths and give a push to clearing footpaths and road widening projects in the city.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Illegal constructions in Mumbai: Maharashtra Speaker Rahul Narwekar asks govt to submit report
Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar Monday directed the state government to submit an action-taken report (ATR) on illegal constructions across various wards of Mumbai before the conclusion of the ongoing Monsoon Session Friday. The directive came in response to a question raised by BJP MLA Parag Alvani, who sought accountability regarding unauthorised construction on a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plot in Vile Parle (East). Responding during the Question Hour, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured the House that stern action would be initiated against erring officials, including assistant municipal commissioners, if found shielding illegal constructions. He said instructions would be issued to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to prepare a category-wise list of unauthorised structures in the city and take necessary action. 'The government will not support any illegal construction. If officials are found protecting such structures, strict action will be taken against them,' Shinde said. The Deputy CM further clarified that while several illegal structures in the Vasai-Virar region have already been demolished, some remain due to stay orders from the courts. 'Those too will be removed as soon as the legal restrictions are lifted,' he said. Shinde, however, noted that immediate action at some locations during the monsoon may not be feasible, as residents are currently occupying these structures. 'After monsoon, we will take steps to remove even those constructions,' he added. Referring to the case flagged by Alvani, Shinde informed the House that unauthorised sheds had been erected on BMC-owned plot number 256 in Vile Parle East. The civic body demolished the sheds on March 24, 2025. A subsequent complaint regarding illegal parking on the same plot led to further action, and the encroachments were cleared on June 3, 2025. Several legislators, including Yogesh Sagar, Jitendra Awhad, Dilip Walse Patil, Varun Sardesai, Murji Patel, Ajay Choudhari, and Bala Nandgaonkar, raised supplementary questions over the issue. Minister of State for Urban Development Sandhya Misal informed the House that action against illegal constructions is being taken under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act. She urged MLAs to report instances from their constituencies, assuring that departmental action would follow and concerned officials would be held accountable.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Maharashtra legislative assembly OKs ‘diluted' bill that targets left-wing extremist organisations
Mumbai: The legislative assembly on Thursday passed the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill 2024, a day after the all-party joint select committee submitted its report on the 'diluted' bill, which aims at targeting Naxalism in urban centres by keeping the focus on 'left-wing extremist organisations' rather than provisions to book specific individuals. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaker Rahul Narwekar initially asked if the bill was being passed unanimously, but the opposition refused. It was passed by a majority. While introducing the bill, CM said this law is being brought to control organisations that do not believe in democracy and want to overthrow the state based on the Constitution. He added that 64 left-wing extremist organisations, that have been banned under similar special laws by four neighbouring states, are active in Maharashtra. "This law is not against left-wing ideas or parties," the CM said. "This law will not be applicable for teachers' and students' protests as it is not against the individual, but the organisation. The law will have to be read in its entirety; if the organisation's aim is to cause harm, then it will be banned." He pointed out that the CPI (Maoist) party was banned in 2009. Fadnavis clarified that the new law will not be misused against opposition party protesters and activists. He further said that Naxalism, which was active in five districts of Maharashtra, is now limited to two talukas, and that too will end within a year. "Maoists have now changed their policies. They are trying to brainwash the youth of urban areas and make them stand against the system. This bill will work to control them," he said. MLAs Rohit Pawar of NCP (SP), Nitin Raut of Congress, and Varun Sardesai of Sena (UBT) raised doubts over the vague definitions of clauses like 'unlawful activities', 'left-wing extremism' and 'organisation'. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Instead of left-wing extremism, the law should specifically mention Naxalism, said Pawar. "The bill was sent to the joint select committee, but very few changes have been made. There is no clear definition of left-wing extremist ideology? There are doubts in the minds of people. What is the need for a new law when there are existing laws? The definitions are vague and opaque." Sardesai asked if the law could be used to target protests by 'left-leaning' students, teachers, activists, or organisations. "The Marathi Kruti Samiti opposed the Hindi imposition order in schools and took out a protest. Similarly, bandhs are called by left ideology unions, there are also farmers' protests. Will they be banned under this new law?" Opposing the law, CPI MLA Vinod Nikole said: "I am the only MLA from the Left party. Violent action should be curbed, but for that there's MCOCA and UAPA. The CM has ended Naxalism in Gadchiroli, but I oppose this bill as it can be misused."
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Privilege motion moved against top govt officials
Mumbai: Congress MLA Nana Patole on Wednesday moved a breach of privilege motion against senior state officials, including the Chief Secretary, over what he described as a "highly irregular" contract extension given to a "blacklisted" private toll management company. The motion, submitted to Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, also mentions the Additional Chief Secretary (Public Works Department) and managing director of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), and alleged the extension caused Rs 3,000-crore loss to the state. The motion highlights a government resolution (GR) issued on June 25, 2025, by the PWD regarding compensation to MSRDC for toll exemptions granted to light motor vehicles, school buses, and state transport buses at five toll plazas at Mumbai entry points. In his statement in the Assembly, Patole alleged the contract of MEP Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, which had been blacklisted, was illegally extended. pti You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Walking Plaza Project in Colaba nearing halfway mark
MUMBAI: Colaba is poised to gain a new tourist-friendly attraction as work on the highly anticipated walking plaza by BMC neared 40% completion on Sunday. Located along Captain Prakash Pethe Marg, between Deepak Jog Chowk (Mantralaya) and Bhai Bhandarkar Chowk (Badhwar Park), the 210-metre stretch aims to enhance walkability and promote a greener, more pedestrian-centric environment in the heart of South Mumbai. An artist's impression Under the vision of BJP MLA Rahul Narwekar, the project intends to transform Colaba into a more pedestrian-friendly space. 'With wider footpaths, dedicated green corridors, improved lighting, and organised pedestrian zones, this project will greatly enhance the walking experience for residents, students, and visitors,' said Narwekar. 'We are actively working on this transformation and are committed to ensuring steady progress and long-term benefits for the community.' The walking plaza will feature stamped concrete footpaths and vibrant 3D street art. To enhance the area's visual charm, the stretch will be lined with Ashoka trees and ornamental plants. It will also have a multi-utility corridor dedicated to landscaping and community use. As part of this beautification plan, the boundary wall of Badhwar Park will be refurbished. Directional sign boards will be installed to guide pedestrians. Some of the landmarks along the stretch include Mantraaya, New Administrative Building, Sachivalay Gymkhana, Yashwantrao Chavhan Centre, Machhimar Nagar Jetty, and President Hotel. It was spearheaded by former BJP Corporator Makarand Narwekar, and designed as an immersive public space. With an estimated cost of ₹5 crore, the initiative is being jointly funded by the tourism department and the District Planning and Development Committee(DPDC) and is being implemented by the civic body. Jaydeep More, assistant commissioner (in charge) of A ward said, 'The work is ongoing. Due to rains, it has stopped for some time but 40% of the work is completed.' Once the first phase of the Walking Plaza is completed, the BMC plans to replicate similar pedestrian-friendly initiatives across other parts of Colaba. 'Prioritizing accessibility and smart urban planning, I will continue to drive meaningful changes that enhance the way we experience our city,' Narwekar added.
